Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Calling all busy weeknight cooks and pasta lovers! This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is your answer to a flavorful and satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and a light and creamy cheese sauce create a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

A Symphony of Flavor:

This recipe goes beyond your average chicken and broccoli pasta. Each element contributes to a symphony of flavor:

• Seasoned Chicken: Chicken breasts seasoned with lemon pepper are seared to golden perfection, infusing the pan with delicious fond (caramelized bits that add incredible flavor).
• Deglazing with White Wine: White wine is used to deglaze the pan, scraping up those flavorful bits from the chicken and creating a base for the sauce. Chicken broth can be substituted if preferred.
• Savory Cream Sauce: A delightful combination of butter and garlic forms the base of the creamy sauce. Parmesan and Asiago cheeses are then added for richness and complexity.
• A Touch of Brightness: Fresh lemon juice is stirred in at the end, adding a vibrant acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce.

Simple and Effortless:

This recipe is all about convenience. The one-pot approach makes cleanup a breeze, perfect for busy weeknights.

A Lighter Take on Creamy Sauce:

While the author is a self-proclaimed “creamy-cheesy sauce addict,” this recipe offers a lighter take on the classic. It utilizes a combination of Parmesan cheese and milk, achieving a creamy texture without the heaviness of heavy cream. This results in a dish that feels light yet bursting with flavor.

Ready to Indulge? Here’s the Recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces dry pasta (such as penne, farfalle, or rotini)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Thinly slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them generously with lemon pepper seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken (Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes per side): Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

3. Deglazing and Building Flavor (Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes): Add the white wine (or chicken broth) to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (this is the flavorful fond!). Bring the wine to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.

4. Creamy Sauce Symphony (Cooking Time: 5 minutes): Add the butter and garlic to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is slightly tender-crisp.

5. Bringing it All Together (Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes): Pour in the chicken broth and cream (or milk). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Asiago cheese, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Pasta Perfection: While the sauce simmers, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions.

7. Final Touches: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the pot with the sauce. Toss the pasta with the sauce to coat it evenly.

8. Serve and Enjoy!: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir it gently to combine with the pasta and sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.

Tips:

• Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as chopped carrots, peas, or zucchini.
• For a spicier

Final Thoughts:

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a testament to the fact that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and explosion of flavor in every bite, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple. So, gather your ingredients, put on a pot of water for the pasta, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying dinner in no time!