Name: Parmesan Chicken Florentine with Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 6 chicken cutlets or 8 chicken tenders; 1 cup panko style bread crumbs; 2 cups grated parmesan (divided, 3/4 cup for coating, rest for pasta); 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto; Kosher salt and black pepper; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided); 2 tablespoons salted butter; 3 cloves garlic, chopped; Chili flakes, to taste; 1 pound short cut pasta (e.g., penne or rigatoni); 2 cups roughly chopped broccoli; 1 1/2 cups fresh basil, chopped; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 35 reviews

If you are looking for a dish that combines elegance with comfort, the Parmesan Chicken Florentine with Broccoli Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe features tender chicken cutlets coated in a flavorful Parmesan crust, surrounded by crispy prosciutto and nestled atop a luscious, creamy pasta tossed with fresh broccoli and fragrant basil. The balance of textures and vibrant colors makes every bite a delight, turning a simple dinner into a memorable experience. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this dish elevates weeknight cooking to something special.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white plate filled with several pieces of breaded chicken cutlets arranged closely together, each piece covered in a light golden crumb coating with a slightly rough texture. The plate sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. Fresh green basil leaves are placed on top of some cutlets, adding a pop of color. Next to the plate, a rectangular block of butter wrapped partially in parchment paper is topped with a sprig of fresh basil. In the background, deep pink flowers add a touch of vibrant color to the scene. The lighting highlights the textures of the breadcrumbs and the smoothness of the butter, creating soft shadows around the items. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Parmesan Chicken Florentine with Broccoli Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding crunch, creaminess, or fresh herbal notes that brighten the dish.

Chicken cutlets or tenders: Choose tender pieces for quick cooking and perfect texture under the Parmesan crust.
Panko style bread crumbs: These provide a light, crispy coating that enhances texture without weighing down the chicken.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami flavor and golden color to the breading and pasta sauce.
Onion powder and garlic powder: Season the breading mix with subtle aromatic depth for a richer taste.
Thinly sliced prosciutto: Crisps up beautifully to lend a salty, elegant finish that complements the chicken.
Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a fruity, silky richness for sautéing chicken and flavor base for pasta.
Salted butter: Brings creaminess and a hint of sweetness to the pasta sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses warmth and aroma into both the chicken and pasta components.
Chili flakes: Add a gentle kick that balances the richness without overpowering the dish.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every element to perfection.
Short cut pasta: Ideal for holding the creamy sauce and mingling with broccoli florets effortlessly.
Roughly chopped broccoli: Injects vibrant green color, nutrition, and a pleasant crunch into the pasta.
Fresh basil: This fresh herb brightens the dish with its peppery, sweet notes.
Heavy cream: Enriches the pasta sauce for a velvety, indulgent texture that coats each bite.
Cream cheese: Smooths out the sauce, adding tangy richness that enhances the Parmesan flavor.

How to Make Parmesan Chicken Florentine with Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating

Start by combining the panko bread crumbs, ¾ cup of grated Parmesan, onion powder, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. This mix is your secret weapon for that irresistible crispy and flavorful crust.

Then, carefully dredge the chicken cutlets or tenders in this mixture, pressing gently so the coating clings well on both sides. This step is crucial because it ensures the chicken stays juicy inside while getting beautifully golden outside.

Step 2: Cook Crispy Prosciutto

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add the thinly sliced prosciutto. Cook it until crispy and golden on all sides, about five minutes. This crispy element adds a luxurious texture contrast that makes the dish unforgettable.

Once done, remove the prosciutto and set it aside on a plate, keeping those flavorful browned bits in the skillet for the next step.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and place the coated chicken pieces in. Cook them for 5-8 minutes on each side, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the meat is cooked through. The residual flavors in the pan from the prosciutto make this step extra delicious.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli Pasta

While the chicken cooks, head to a large pot and melt the butter with chopped garlic and a pinch of chili flakes over medium heat. When the garlic becomes fragrant, pour in 4 cups of water and bring it to a rapid boil.

Add 1 teaspoon of salt, the short cut pasta, and the roughly chopped broccoli together. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 8 minutes. The magic here is you don’t drain this water because the starchy broth will become part of your creamy sauce.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Once the pasta is tender and the broccoli slightly crisp, stir in the heavy cream and room temperature cream cheese. Keep cooking for 4-5 minutes until the cream cheese melts and the sauce turns luscious.

Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese for a rich, velvety finish. Remove the pot from heat, then toss in fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Plate and Assemble

Divide the creamy broccoli pasta among serving plates. Top each portion with the perfectly seared Parmesan-coated chicken and finish by draping crispy prosciutto slices and an extra sprinkle of basil over the top. Each bite combines delightfully creamy pasta, crisp chicken crust, and savory prosciutto for a dreamy dinner.

How to Serve Parmesan Chicken Florentine with Broccoli Pasta Recipe

A dark blue bowl holds a creamy pasta dish with three visible layers: the bottom layer is rigatoni pasta mixed with green broccoli florets and covered in a white sauce with herb specks; on top, two crispy, golden-brown fried pieces placed diagonally with a crunchy texture; scattered over the dish are dark, crisp strips of bacon, and fresh green herb sprigs add a touch of color. In the background, a white marbled surface is visible, along with a white plate holding large green basil leaves and a flower, and a wedge of cheese with more herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped basil, extra shaved Parmesan, or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil make wonderful garnishes. They not only enhance flavor but add vibrant color and freshness that elevate the dish’s presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite filling on its own, but a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables can complement it perfectly, adding refreshing crunch or earthy undertones to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with the chicken elegantly sliced and fanned out on top. Adding a small sprig of basil or microgreens gives a restaurant-quality touch that will impress your guests instantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken and creamy pasta hold up well, but you may want to refresh the basil garnish before reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, separate the chicken and pasta into different containers for best texture preservation. The pasta freezes well for up to 2 months, but the chicken crust might lose some crispness after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore the creamy sauce’s consistency. For the chicken, warming in an oven or air fryer helps revive some of that initial crusty texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While short cut pasta works best to catch the creamy sauce and broccoli bits, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are excellent alternatives that hold the sauce well.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To modify this Parmesan Chicken Florentine with Broccoli Pasta Recipe for dairy-free needs, swap the Parmesan and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of salted butter.

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bread the chicken earlier, keeping it refrigerated until ready to cook. This helps speed up the process on busy meal days.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio are fantastic choices to balance the richness of the Parmesan and cream sauce while complementing the fresh basil and broccoli.

How do I get the chicken crispy without overcooking?

Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Searing on medium-high heat develops a beautiful crust quickly, while finishing cooking on lower heat helps prevent dryness.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Parmesan Chicken Florentine with Broccoli Pasta Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with its perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s an approachable yet impressive dish that feels like a special occasion every time you make it. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and indulge in this warm, comforting meal that’s bursting with fresh, delicious goodness!