Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Alfredo brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Succulent chicken, tender broccoli, and rich parmesan sauce combine for a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) chicken breast, cut into strips
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and prepare penne pasta according to package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain and reserve.
- Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then sear in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and thoroughly cooked. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet heat and quickly toast minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds.
- Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes to achieve tender-crisp texture while maintaining vibrant green color.
- Lower heat and create creamy sauce by whisking heavy cream, incorporating Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Fold sun-dried tomatoes into the developing sauce, distributing evenly for balanced flavor profile.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, coating thoroughly with sauce. Gently fold in penne pasta, ensuring complete sauce coverage. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and optional additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced presentation and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Perfectly time chicken cooking to prevent dryness by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes quantity, allowing spice-sensitive individuals to enjoy the dish comfortably.
- Enhance nutritional value by substituting regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Create a lighter version by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing Parmesan cheese quantity for lower-calorie option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg