Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy sauce over perfectly cooked penne pasta, perfect for family dinners.
Ingrédients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta Can substitute with gluten-free penne for gluten-free option.
- 1 cup broccoli florets Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced Adjust portion as necessary for dietary needs.
- 2 cups heavy cream Substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream for dairy-free.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated recommended for best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients, dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces, and chop the broccoli into florets.
- Mince the garlic and measure out the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to streamline the cooking process.
Cooking
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow to bubble softly for about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Drain the penne pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss until thoroughly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and give a final gentle toss.
Notes
For added richness, consider tossing in a dollop of cream cheese before combining with pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for a pop of color.