Description
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli is a delicious, comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender diced chicken breasts are sautéed and combined with al dente pasta, fresh spinach, and broccoli florets in a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish brings together wholesome ingredients with a rich, creamy texture for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, drained pasta, broccoli, and fresh spinach to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for a bit of heat.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can use any short pasta such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine based on your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Add red pepper flakes cautiously to control the heat level to your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan not only add flavor but also make for a beautiful garnish.
