Finding Joy in My Kitchen: Copycat: Garlic Herb Chicken con Broccoli

The Garlic Herb Chicken con Broccoli dish at the Olive Garden used to be one of my favorites to order. The combination of the herbs with the garlic, pasta that holds the yummy cream sauce and the broccoli was just outstanding.

Naturally, since I like to try to make things at home, when I found this copycat version from Rumbly in My Tummy, I decided to give it a try.

We really liked it! Although it’s not exactly like the original, it was tasty and felt like a fancy meal made at home.

Copycat Garlic Herb Chicken con Broccoli – Adapted from Rumbly in My Tummy

Ingredients

1 T olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into tenders
1 tsp. basil, divided
1 tsp. oregano, divided
1/4 tsp. + 1/2 tsp. minced garlic, divided
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 C white whole wheat flour
6 oz. small pasta (we used shells, but Orecchiette is recommended)
1/3 C whipping cream
2/3 C half and half or whole milk
1 T corn starch
1 T chicken broth
16 oz. frozen or fresh broccoli florets
Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions

In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat. Meanwhile, season the chicken breast pieces with 1/2 tsp. basil, 1/2 tsp. oregano, salt and pepper.

Sprinkle up to 1/4 C white whole wheat flour over the chicken breasts to coat. Place each chicken breast piece into the frying pan and cook about 2-3 minutes before flipping.

Continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees, flipping as needed.

Meanwhile, boil the pasta according to package directions. In the final 3 minutes, add the broccoli. Drain and set aside.

In the same pan as you boiled the pasta, mix together 1/3 C whipping cream, 2/3 C half and half or milk, 1/2 tsp. basil, 1/2 tsp. oregano, salt and pepper. Stir well. Mix 1 T chicken broth with 1 T corn starch and stir until cornstarch is dissolved. Slowly, heat the milk and cream mixture to a slow boil, stirring constantly. Pour in the corn starch mixture to thicken the sauce. Remove from the heat.