Description
This creamy broccoli and chicken penne is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken pieces, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a rich and flavorful Parmesan cream sauce. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook following package instructions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain both together and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cream cheese. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Toss Pasta and Broccoli: Add the cooked penne pasta and broccoli florets to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy sauce and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to incorporate extra vegetables into the dish.
