Description
A comforting and creamy Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and al dente penne pasta all tossed in a rich Parmesan-infused sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies with its deliciously smooth texture and flavorful ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Protein
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: extra Parmesan for garnish
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 until al dente. Add the broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, then set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Toss Together: Return the cooked chicken, cooked penne, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat well with the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Enhance flavor and texture by adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
