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Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne: A Cozy, Satisfying Dinner

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  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting, savory dish made with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and penne pasta, all enveloped in a velvety cream sauce. The addition of garlic and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any dinner occasion.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound chicken breast, diced

2 cups broccoli florets

1 pound penne pasta

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast and cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add 2 cups of broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  4. Add Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Combine Chicken with Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the sauce.
  6. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook 1 pound of penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  7. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken, stirring to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
  8. Finish the Dish: Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to finish the dish, allowing it to melt and enrich the sauce.
  9. Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli and chicken penne hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.

Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peas for added flavor and nutrition.

This dish can be made vegetarian by swapping the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas and using vegetable broth.

If you want a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

For a richer flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Find it online: https://amytasty.com/creamy-broccoli-and-chicken-penne/