Description
This creamy broccoli and chicken penne recipe is a flavorful and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it combines sautéed chicken and vegetables in a luscious sauce that’s enhanced with garlic and Italian seasoning, finished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and seasoning: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Add liquids: Reduce the heat to medium, then add the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Melt cheese: Add the Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and combine with the broccoli and cream sauce.
- Add pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Season to taste: Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the dish hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but can be replaced with basil or oregano as preferred.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for a moister meat option.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
