Description
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting and delicious pasta dish combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the broccoli: During the last 3-4 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to blanch them. Drain broccoli with pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning during cooking.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the cream sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta, broccoli, and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the cream sauce and chicken. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and allow to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, if using, before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- For extra veggies, add sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes while sautéing the chicken.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
