One-Pan Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan
A weeknight favorite where chicken, broccoli, and pasta simmer together in a single skillet with a light Parmesan sauce. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, florets broccoli for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb, florets broccoli
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes) and season with salt, pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb broccoli florets and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.
- Step 5: Add the drained 8 oz penne pasta and 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss for 1 minute, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pan Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pan Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pan Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My go-to recipe now. So flavorful and easy.
- ★★★★★
Perfect weeknight meal. Came together in minutes!
- ★★★★★
Loved this! Easy and delicious, my kids devoured it.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
