Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
This creamy broccoli and chicken penne is a comforting and nutritious dish, combining tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and hearty penne pasta in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 pound chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with a lower-fat alternative.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian herbs. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the drained penne pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide the creamy broccoli and chicken penne among plates and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
You can substitute the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, but be aware this may change the creaminess of the dish. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.