Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and add them to the pot. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for about 8 minutes, or until it's almost done.
Add the broccoli to the pot, cover, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
Choose pasta that cooks in about 10 minutes to ensure everything is done at the same time.If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or an extra splash of chicken broth.For an additional burst of freshness, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest before serving.