Description
This One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fusilli pasta in a creamy sauce made with chicken broth and half-and-half. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal cleanup and is ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
Pasta and Vegetables
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut small
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken strips and sauté for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, then add the fusilli pasta. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the pasta cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is nearly tender.
- Add Broccoli and Steam: Add the small broccoli florets to the pot. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to steam and become tender-crisp.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish generously with salt and pepper to taste. If the broccoli is still too firm, cook for another 2 minutes uncovered. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use half-and-half for a creamy texture; substitute with whole milk or cream if preferred.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for no heat.
- Stir occasionally during simmer to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds extra flavor but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- For gluten-free, substitute fusilli pasta with gluten-free pasta.
