Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Indulge in this delicious creamy broccoli and chicken penne recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner! With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente penne, all tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s easy to make and incredibly flavorful. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that extra touch. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick! Enjoy!

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Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta

2 cups broccoli florets

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Penne: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the pot for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow it to reduce by half, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth.

Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne and broccoli. Toss everything together until well-coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve: Divide the creamy chicken and broccoli penne among plates, garnish with fresh parsley, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4