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Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Copycat Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 79 reviews
  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy delight reminiscent of the original restaurant favorite. Featuring tender, golden-browned chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is perfect for a comforting yet elegant main course that you can easily prepare at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb broccoli florets

Pasta

  • 1 lb penne pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Prepare Sauce Base: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the skillet, bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer until the broth is reduced by half, intensifying the flavor.
  5. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and whisk until fully combined. Gradually add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Cook Broccoli: Add the blanched broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, heating them through and mingling the flavors with the sauce.
  7. Combine Chicken and Broccoli: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it together with the broccoli and sauce to meld the flavors.
  8. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce and mixed well with the chicken and broccoli.
  9. Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a delightful meal.

Notes

  • Use low-fat cheese and reduce butter to decrease calories and fat content.
  • Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to lower sodium intake.
  • Blanch broccoli before adding to maintain vibrant color and crispness if desired.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for additional flavor and presentation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

Keywords: chicken broccoli pasta, Cheesecake Factory copycat, creamy pasta, penne, Parmesan sauce

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Find it online: https://recipiana.com/chicken-and-broccoli-pasta-copycat-recipe/