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In today’s fast-paced world, one-pot meals have become a lifesaver for families looking to enjoy delicious home-cooked dinners without the hassle of extensive cleanup. The allure of these meals lies not only in their convenience but also in their ability to meld flavors together beautifully, creating a comforting dish that everyone will love. Among these easy-to-make delights, creamy pasta dishes stand out, especially as the weather turns cooler. They evoke a sense of warmth and satisfaction that is hard to resist.

Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Discover the joy of making dinner with Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, a comforting family favorite that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta in a deliciously rich sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe requires minimal cleanup, allowing you to focus on quality time with your loved ones. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, you'll create a nourishing meal that everyone will love. Make mealtime stress-free and enjoyable!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)

1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)

1 cup heavy cream

12 ounces penne pasta

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate or bowl, leaving the oil in the pot.

    Sauté the Garlic: In the same pot, add the minced garlic along with the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

      Combine Liquids and Pasta: Carefully pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine the ingredients fully. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

        Add the Pasta: Stir in the penne pasta, ensuring it's well coated with the creamy broth. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

          Incorporate Broccoli: After 10 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Gently stir to incorporate them into the pasta mixture. Re-cover the pot and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until both the pasta and broccoli are tender and cooked through.

            Finish with Cheese: Once the pasta is tender, return the previously cooked chicken to the pot. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

              Garnish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Serve the creamy pasta in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                  Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and add extra Parmesan cheese on top, accompanied by lemon wedges for drizzling, which enhances the flavor beautifully.