Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Broccoli and Chicken pasta is one of my go to recipe for my son's lunchbox. It's simple, nutritious and since I use frozen broccoli it takes almost zero prepping time. This simple broccoli pasta recipe comes under 15 minutes and the bonus is I make a big batch for our breakfast as well.  

Chicken and Broccoli Creamy Pasta

Serves 2

Ingredients :

1. Penne Paste of 2 servings
2. 6 cloves of garlic - finely minced
3. 1/2 onion - finely chopped
4. 1 tsp heaped crushed black pepper corns 
5. 1/2 cup heavy cream
6. 2 cups of chopped broccoli 
7. 2 tbsp butter
8. 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
9. 1/4 cup of grated parmiggiano reggiano

Method:

1. Cut the chicken into small bite size pieces.
2. In a saucepan pour enough water the submerge the pasta and let it come to a rolling boil. Add some salt and the pasta to it. Cook according to the package instruction leaving only 1-2 minutes from it, because it will keep cooking with the sauce later.
3. In a frying pan heat the butter and the olive oil.
4. Add the garlic to the oil and cook until it starts to become golden.
5. Add the chopped onion to them and cook until they become translucent. 
6. Add the chicken pieces and season them with salt.
7. Cook until all the water from the chicken has dried and then add the chopped broccoli. I have used frozen broccoli so it did not require any prepping. But if you are using raw broccoli do steam them for 5-7 minutes before chopping.
8. Stir and cook the broccoli on low flame covered for 10 more minutes.
9. After 10 minutes open the lid and add the cooked pasta to it. Add 1 cup of the pasta water and let it come to a boil.
10. Add the cream and the grated parmiggiano. Stir and cook on low until you have the desired consistency. A
11. Add the black pepper. Adjust the salt.
12. Add some more parmiggiano and switch off the flame.
13. Serve immediately.