Description
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting and delicious pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast and vibrant broccoli florets in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients and easy steps to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 4 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top if using. Serve warm for a comforting and flavorful dish.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich and creamy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
- If you prefer, use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
