Description
This creamy cavatappi pasta dish with chicken and broccoli is both comforting and delicious, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 pound uncooked cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
- 2 cups chopped fresh or frozen broccoli
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast or 2 chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces and lightly salted
- 1/4 cup chopped white or yellow onion
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons or 2 ounces)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (do not substitute)
- 1 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (not from a green can)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add a big handful of salt then add the pasta. Cook as directed on the package until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. During the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to the boiling water. Drain into a colander.
- While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the chicken and onion and cook for 3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and keep warm.
- In the same skillet (no need to clean), melt the butter, scraping up any brown bits left behind from the chicken. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the cream then the cheese. Bring to a boil. Cook until it starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes. If your sauce gets too thick, stir in more cream.
- Remove from the heat then stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust for seasoning. If it’s not salty enough, add more cheese.
- Toss together the pasta, chicken, and sauce then serve with black pepper.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg