Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for creamy broccoli and chicken penne! If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dish that is both easy to make and packed with nutrients, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and vibrant broccoli florets in a rich and creamy sauce that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why this creamy broccoli and chicken penne recipe is a must-try:
– It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
– The combination of chicken, pasta, and broccoli creates a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
– The creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch to the dish, making it feel indulgent and comforting.
– This recipe can easily be customized to suit different dietary preferences or restrictions.
– It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, thanks to the addition of broccoli.
Ingredients
For this creamy broccoli and chicken penne recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 ounces penne pasta
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious creamy broccoli and chicken penne:
1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the creamy sauce.
8. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve the creamy broccoli and chicken penne hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the best results with this recipe:
– To save time, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until needed.
– Be sure not to overcook the broccoli to maintain its vibrant color and slight crunch.
– For a lighter version of this dish, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
– Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the sauce for extra flavor. Italian seasoning, dried basil, or red pepper flakes work well.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations and Substitutions
While this creamy broccoli and chicken penne recipe is delicious as is, you can also experiment with different variations and substitutions:
– Instead of chicken, you can use cooked shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
– If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute it with other vegetables such as peas, asparagus, or spinach.
– For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of penne.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy broccoli and chicken penne dish is tasty on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience with some complementary side dishes and drinks:
– Serve with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
– Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
– Pair with a glass of crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir.
FAQs
Here are some common questions readers may have about this creamy broccoli and chicken penne recipe:
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta and chicken.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Unfortunately, the creamy sauce may not freeze well and could separate when thawed. It’s best to enjoy the leftovers within a few days of cooking.
Final Thoughts
Creamy broccoli and chicken penne is a delightful dish that brings together the classic combination of pasta, chicken, and vegetables in a creamy and satisfying way. With its easy preparation and customizable nature, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Bon appétit!
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and vibrant broccoli florets in a rich and creamy sauce. Easy to make and packed with nutrients, this recipe is sure to impress your family or guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the creamy sauce.
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Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve the creamy broccoli and chicken penne hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.