Description
This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Penne combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. A comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta & Broccoli:
- Boil penne pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli to the pot for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced chicken until golden and fully cooked (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Combine:
- Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Heat through for 2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat milk.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g