Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Delight
Ingredients
- 8 ouncesof pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)
- 1 poundof boneless (skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cupsof broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoonsof olive oil
- 3 clovesof garlic (minced)
- 1 cupof heavy cream
- 1 cupof chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cupof grated Parmesan cheese
- —Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoonof Italian seasoning
- —Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Start by cooking your pasta. In a large pot of salted boiling water, add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 7-10 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 3
In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- 4
Add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is vibrant green and just tender. You can add a splash of water to steam it quickly if necessary.
- 5
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 6
Add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and well incorporated into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- 7
Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious creamy chicken and broccoli pasta!