Description
Comforting broccoli and chicken penne promises a delightful culinary journey through rich, velvety flavors. Seasoned ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal that will transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a generously sized pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil, then introduce penne pasta and allow it to cook per package guidelines.
- During the final two minutes of pasta cooking, immerse broccoli florets directly into the boiling water alongside the pasta.
- Carefully drain the pasta and broccoli using a colander, then transfer to a separate holding dish.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature.
- Introduce chicken pieces into the heated skillet, seasoning thoroughly with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Sauté chicken, periodically stirring, until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Extract chicken from the pan and reserve momentarily.
- Utilize the identical skillet to melt butter over medium heat, then incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
- Introduce flour and whisk continuously for one minute to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the mixture, whisking persistently to eliminate potential lumps.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper to personal preference.
- Allow sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until achieving a luxurious, thickened consistency.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli into the skillet, thoroughly coating all ingredients with the creamy sauce.
- Warm the combined ingredients for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while piping hot, ready to delight.
Notes
- Swap penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions and enhance nutritional value.
- Reduce heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing creamy texture.
- Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness compared to chicken breasts.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and minimize kitchen stress during meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 564
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg