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Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne Recipe

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4.8 from 392 reviews

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting and easy weeknight dinner featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta, tender sautéed chicken breast, and fresh broccoli florets, all coated in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a wholesome, delicious meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings when you want a satisfying yet simple homemade dish.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz Penne Pasta
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil

For the Sauce

  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (optional)

For the Garnish

  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Then drain the pasta and broccoli, setting them aside.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest briefly before slicing into strips.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, forming a creamy sauce. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning to taste.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained penne and broccoli back into the skillet with the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Fold in the sliced chicken, heating the mixture gently if needed. Serve the dish garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

  • For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
  • Broccoli florets can be replaced with cauliflower or spinach depending on your preference.
  • Chicken breast can be swapped with turkey or shrimp as an alternative protein.
  • Adjust garlic quantity to suit your taste preferences.
  • For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use a non-dairy cream alternative.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/creamy-chicken-broccoli-penne-recipe/