Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
If using broccoli, add the florets to the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream and more Parmesan cheese to taste.
Substitute the chicken with shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a different protein option.