– 8 oz penne pasta
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Creating the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is straightforward when you follow these easy steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add Broccoli and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender.
4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet, adding the drained penne pasta to the creamy mixture. Toss everything together until well-coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a deliciously creamy dish that’s sure to satisfy.