Creamy Pasta with Broccoli and Chicken
Rich cream sauce with butter, garlic, and Parmesan coating tender chicken and broccoli, finished with pasta cooked al dente. The sauce simmers for 10-12 minutes, thickening as Parmesan melts in, then tossed with your choice of pasta for a comforting, restaurant-quality dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add butter with minced garlic, stirring until melted.
- 2
Pour in cooking cream, add garlic powder and ground black pepper to taste, stir well and reduce heat slightly.
- 3
Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently.
- 4
Add broccoli to the pan with the chicken.
- 5
Stir in grated Parmesan and watch the sauce thicken and gain consistency.
- 6
Cook pasta according to package directions.
- 7
Test pasta for al dente texture during cooking.
- 8
Combine chicken and broccoli with the sauce and let flavors meld.
Tips
Stir the sauce frequently while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add pepper gradually and taste as you go, since amounts vary by preference.
Test pasta a minute or two before the package time to catch al dente.
Good to Know
Refrigerate finished dish in airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of cream to restore sauce consistency.
Prepare sauce and cook vegetables up to 2 hours ahead. Cook pasta fresh just before serving and combine components immediately.
Serve in bowls with extra grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper. Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip stirring the sauce frequently to avoid burning or uneven cooking.
Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushy texture; test before package time.
Do not add Parmesan too early to avoid clumping; add only after sauce has simmered.