This satisfying one-pan pasta dish combines tender seasoned chicken breast with colorful vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite. The combination of broccoli, bell peppers, and aromatic vegetables creates a complete meal that’s both nutritious and indulgent, while the parmesan adds depth and richness to the cream sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 500g (1.1 lbs) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Vegetables:
- 250g (8.8 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 large orange bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 100g (3.5 oz) parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Season chicken: Cut chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika powder, and garlic powder, mixing well to coat evenly.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or wide pan over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Preparing the Vegetables
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan used for chicken, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add sliced red onion and chopped celery, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and peppers: Add minced garlic and sliced orange bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and peppers begin to soften.
- Add broccoli: Add broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Combining Everything
- Create cream sauce: Return cooked chicken to the pan with vegetables. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add pasta: Add the drained pasta to the pan, tossing to combine with the cream sauce and vegetables.
- Finish with cheese: Add grated parmesan cheese gradually, tossing continuously until melted and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 portions
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Calcium: 285mg
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This one-pan pasta dish provides complete nutrition with high-quality protein from chicken breast and a variety of vegetables that supply essential vitamins and minerals. The broccoli contributes vitamin C, folate, and fiber, while bell peppers add vitamin A and antioxidants. The celery provides potassium and adds a subtle crunch that balances the creamy texture. The combination of cream and parmesan creates a rich sauce that helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables, while the pasta provides energy-sustaining carbohydrates. This balanced meal offers protein for muscle health, fiber for digestion, and the satisfaction of comfort food without being overly heavy.