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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli

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A creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and vibrant broccoli, all tossed in a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce—perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

  • Pasta (penne or fettuccine): 300g – The base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
  • Chicken breast (sliced or cubed): 300g – Lean protein that turns the dish into a full meal.
  • Fresh spinach: 2 cups – Adds earthiness and a vibrant green hue.
  • Broccoli florets: 1½ cups – Brings crunch and a touch of bitterness to balance the richness.
  • Garlic (minced): 4 cloves – Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
  • Heavy cream: 1½ cups – The luscious base of the sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese (grated): ¾ cup – Adds salty, umami depth and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons – Used for sautéing and building the base.
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon – Enhances richness and flavor.
  • Salt: to taste – Essential for seasoning pasta and sauce.
  • Black pepper: ½ teaspoon – Adds a hint of sharpness and warmth.
  • Nutmeg (optional): a pinch – Rounds out the creaminess with subtle spice.
  • Pasta water (reserved): ½ cup – Helps adjust sauce consistency.

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set a large pot of salted water to boil and warm a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. In the same water, cook pasta until just under al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the water and drain the rest.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add chicken. Cook until golden and no longer pink.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Pour in cream, add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer for 3–5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Add pasta, blanched broccoli, and spinach. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce clings beautifully.
  6. Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest for 5 minutes off heat to thicken slightly.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate hot, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and serve with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

  • Use pasta with ridges to help sauce adhere better.
  • Stir in chili flakes for a spicy version.
  • Reserve pasta water—it creates a silky sauce.
  • Add spinach at the end to preserve color and texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyze.com/creamy-chicken-and-spinach-pasta-with-broccoli/