Description
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting and satisfying pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner, it combines healthy vegetables with protein and indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, adding the broccoli florets during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and butter. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and vegetables with the creamy sauce. Serve warm, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Leftover or rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
- Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields best flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
