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Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A creamy and satisfying dish combining garlic, parmesan, chicken, and pasta with vibrant broccoli.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 8 oz whole grain pasta (or any preferred alternative) You can use any type of pasta you like.
  • 2 breasts chicken, diced Diced into bite-sized pieces.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken.
Flavorings
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced for best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use fresh for a richer taste.
  • 1 cup broccoli florets Steamed until tender yet crisp.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish Adds a fresh touch when serving.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the chosen pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining and then set the pasta aside.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it well with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, around 5-7 minutes.
Sautéing the Garlic
  1. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Make sure not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
Adding Broccoli
  1. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they are tender yet crisp.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir well to combine. Pour in the grated Parmesan cheese little by little and mix thoroughly.
  2. If the mixture appears dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
Serving
  1. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For any leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to revive the creamy texture.