Name: Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne: 7 Steps to Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 cups penne pasta; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

2 cups penne pasta

Vegetables

1 cup broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced

Protein

1 lb chicken breast, diced

Dairy

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Oils and Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
Cook chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add garlic and broccoli: Stir in the minced garlic and broccoli florets into the skillet with the cooked chicken, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
Simmer with cream: Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the creamy sauce.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet, tossing everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy chicken and broccoli sauce.
Season: Season the entire dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste according to your preference.
Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli chicken penne hot, garnished if desired with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Make sure not to overcook broccoli to retain its texture and nutrients.
This dish can be prepared ahead; simply reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.