Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenderloin and Broccoli Pasta
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenderloin and Broccoli Pasta is a quick, flavorful meal combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and broccoli in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a versatile recipe perfect for weeknights and easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or a hint of spice.
This recipe starts by cooking chicken tenderloins seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. While the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust, the pasta and broccoli cook together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. The luscious sauce is produced with a combination of heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, infused with garlic and a touch of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little spice. It’s rich, smooth, and ties all the elements together beautifully.
Assemble everything by tossing the pasta and broccoli in the creamy sauce, then add the chicken pieces back to the skillet. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan completes the dish, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or preparing for a small gathering, this versatile meal is sure to impress. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.
What You’ll Need to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenderloin and Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- chicken tenderloins, cubed
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- Italian seasoning
For the Pasta & Broccoli
- pasta
- broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
For the Sauce
- unsalted butter
- minced garlic
- heavy cream
- grated Parmesan
- red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenderloin and Broccoli Pasta
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water in a dutch oven or a stock pot until al dente (which is cooked, but still firm).
Add the broccoli to the pot during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking. Then drain the pasta and broccoli, saving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Season cubed chicken tenderloin with salt, pepper, and spices.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet, cook chicken 3-4 mins per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the now empty skillet, melt the butter.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes.
When garlic is fragrant and lightly browned, add cream, simmer 2-3 mins.
Stir the Parmesan cheese into the milk and butter and cook until smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Add pasta and broccoli to skillet, toss with sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Stir cooked chicken pieces into sauce and pasta mixture.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy!
Top Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenderloins and Broccoli Pasta
Change it up!!!: If broccoli isn’t your favorite, don’t worry—you can easily switch up the veggie. For instance, try using spinach, peas, or asparagus instead. Simply adjust the cooking time by adding these vegetables to the pasta pot just 1–2 minutes before the pasta is finished, as they cook faster than broccoli.
When life gives you lemons…: If you have a lemon on hand, consider adding its zest or juice for extra flavor. This simple addition enhances the sauce with a subtle brightness without overpowering it with citrus notes.
Keep calm and eat leftovers: Another great feature of this recipe is that it can be made ahead and reheated effortlessly. If the pasta absorbs some of the sauce while sitting, simply add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.
Other Pasta Dishes You’ll Love
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp italian seasoning
For the pasta and broccoli
- 8 oz pasta your choice
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
For the sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan grated
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil salted water, cook pasta to al dente.
- Add broccoli for the last 3-4 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and spices.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in skillet, cook chicken 3-4 mins per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes. Add cream, simmer 2-3 mins.
- Stir in Parmesan, cook until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Add pasta and broccoli to skillet, toss with sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in chicken pieces.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy!
- Tips: Swap broccoli for spinach, peas, or asparagus. Add lemon zest or juice for extra flavor. Can be made ahead and reheated, though pasta may absorb more sauce.
