Description
Creamy broccoli and chicken penne brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners with its perfect blend of tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Pasta lovers will savor this hearty meal that combines protein-packed ingredients and rich, silky sauce you can easily prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Dairy and Creamy Components:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook penne according to package directions, introducing broccoli florets during the final 3 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and vegetables, reserving them for later.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce diced chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear until exterior turns golden and interior reaches complete doneness, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet heat, then add minced garlic. Sauté for 60 seconds until aromatic. Gently pour heavy cream into the pan, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until sauce develops a slightly thickened consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Reintroduce chicken and broccoli into the creamy sauce. Add cooked penne, thoroughly mixing ingredients to ensure even coating and uniform temperature.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for added visual appeal and herbaceous flavor.
Notes
- Pick tender chicken breasts for the most succulent meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Chop broccoli into similar-sized florets to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a richer, more authentic flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 730 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg