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Homemade chicken broccoli pasta with golden seared chicken and fresh broccoli in white bowls. Easy 30 minute weeknight dinner recipe with penne pasta and garlic butter sauce.

Simple Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Simple chicken broccoli pasta with tender seared chicken breast and fresh broccoli in light garlic butter sauce. This wholesome weeknight dinner combines protein and vegetables in one satisfying bowl ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 medium Boneless chicken breasts Sliced into thin cutlets
  • 12 oz Penne pasta Or any tube shaped pasta
  • 1 large Fresh broccoli crown Cut into bite sized florets
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced fresh
  • 3 tablespoon Olive oil Extra virgin preferred
  • 2 tablespoon Butter Unsalted
  • ½ cup Chicken broth Low sodium
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Dried herb blend
  • ¼ cup Fresh parsley Chopped for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Salt For seasoning and pasta water
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large pot For boiling pasta and broccoli
  • Large skillet For searing chicken and finishing
  • Sharp knife For cutting chicken uniformly
  • Cutting board For safe food preparation
  • Tongs For tossing pasta and chicken safely
  • Fine grater For fresh parmesan cheese
  • Measuring cups For accurate liquid amounts
  • Colander For draining pasta and broccoli

Method
 

  1. Bring large pot of salted water to rolling boil for pasta
  2. Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
  3. Cut broccoli into uniform bite sized florets
  4. Heat oil in skillet, cook chicken 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden
  5. Remove chicken to cutting board, let rest 5 minutes
  6. Add penne to boiling water, cook according to package directions
  7. Add broccoli florets to pasta pot during last 3 minutes
  8. Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserve 1 cup pasta water
  9. Add butter and garlic to chicken skillet, cook until fragrant
  10. Add chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from pan
  11. Add drained pasta and broccoli to skillet, toss to coat
  12. Cut rested chicken into strips
  13. Divide pasta among bowls, top with sliced chicken
  14. Garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, serve immediately

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.