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broccoli pasta chicken

Broccoli Chicken Pasta

This comforting broccoli chicken pasta features tender lemon pepper-seasoned chicken and vibrant broccoli florets tossed in a creamy white wine sauce with Parmesan and Asiago cheeses. The combination creates a restaurant-quality meal that's both satisfying and nourishing, perfect for family dinners. The secret lies in the velvety sauce that coats each piece of penne, delivering a complete flavor story in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
  • Lemon pepper seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 ¼ cups half and half
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 2 ½ cups broccoli florets
  • ¾ cup Parmesan
  • ¼ cup Asiago (can also use all Parmesan)
  • ½ lb. Penne
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • large pot
  • silicone spatula
  • grater

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Combine seasoning ingredients and measure out remaining ingredients for preparation.
  2. Cut chicken into ¾-inch pieces, season with lemon pepper seasoning. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted pasta water to a boil while preparing the sauce.
  4. Add white wine to the same pot used for chicken, reduce heat to medium. Use spatula to deglaze pan and let wine reduce by half (about 4 minutes).
  5. Add butter and garlic, cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
  6. Add chicken broth in small splashes while stirring continuously, then add half and half in same manner. Add hot sauce and seasonings, bring to boil, then reduce to simmer and partially cover.
  7. Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Add broccoli to boiling pasta water during last 4 minutes, then drain.
  8. Reduce sauce heat to low and slowly stir in grated cheeses.
  9. Remove sauce from heat, stir in lemon juice. Add pasta, broccoli, and chicken, stir to combine. Taste and season with salt if desired. Serve.

Notes

Don't skip reducing the white wine as it concentrates flavor. Add cheese while sauce is on low heat to prevent grainy texture. Broccoli cooks perfectly in 4 minutes - any longer makes it too soft. Lemon juice at the end brightens the rich sauce. Sauce can be reheated with extra broth if it thickens.