1-Gather and Prepare Ingredients: First, get everything set up by chopping the broccoli and mincing the garlic. Measure out the cream and cheese to keep things organized. Don’t forget to cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. This step helps you move quickly through the rest of the process without any surprises.

2-Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 1 pound fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once it’s done, drain it and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later. This water can help adjust the sauce’s thickness if needed, keeping everything creamy and well-coated. Set the pasta aside while you work on the other parts.

3-Prepare the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the 2 heads of chopped broccoli, seasoned with salt and pepper, for 4 minutes until it’s bright green. Add ¼ cup water and cook until the water evaporates and the broccoli is tender, then transfer it to a bowl. This quick step keeps the broccoli fresh and adds a nice texture to the final dish. It’s a simple way to include veggies that pack in nutrients.

4-Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook the 24 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes and seasoned with salt and pepper, for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Then, add the chicken to the bowl with the broccoli. For the best results, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to keep it safe and juicy.

5-Make the Sauce: Melt 4 tablespoons butter in the skillet, then sauté the 3 cloves minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups heavy cream and scrape the browned bits from the pan to build that rich flavor. Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and cook until it’s melted and starting to bubble, then lower the heat to keep it smooth. This sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing everything together with its creamy goodness.

6-Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat it evenly. Mix in the chicken and broccoli, adding some of the reserved pasta water as needed to get the sauce just right. Serve it warm with extra Parmesan on top for a finishing touch. This step ensures every bite is perfectly balanced and full of taste, making it a hit for the whole family. For more ideas on quick pasta dishes, check out our creamy chicken and bacon pasta recipe for another easy option.