Ingredients
– 500 grams (1 pound) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 3 crushed or minced garlic cloves
– 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or oregano or basil as alternatives)
– 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 to 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, sliced small
– 500 grams (1 pound) cooked pasta
– 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water (to adjust sauce consistency if needed)
Instructions
1-First, cook the pasta al dente in salted boiling water and save 1 cup of the cooking water before draining. This step helps keep the pasta from getting too soft and gives you a way to tweak the sauce later.
2-Next, brown the chicken thighs in a skillet with olive oil until they’re golden, then set them aside. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful, as thighs add that extra tenderness compared to breasts.
3-Then, in the same pan, sautΓ© the butter, garlic, and dried thyme for a short time until fragrant. Add the cream and lemon juice, letting it simmer to build a rich base for the sauce.
4-After that, return the chicken and broccoli to the pan, cover it partially, and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until everything cooks through. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper to taste.
5-Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, using the reserved cooking water as needed to get the right consistency. Serve it right away for the best flavor and texture, making it a quick win for busy schedules.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
π Adding lemon juice brightens and balances the creamy sauce.
π₯¦ Slice broccoli small and add during simmering to retain texture.
π§ Use chicken thighs for juiciness; breasts can be substituted for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: SautΓ©ing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Contains Meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 538 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
