Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Penne in Silky Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
12 oz penne pasta
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk continuously until cream cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is thickened.
Add cooked chicken back to the skillet along with sun-dried tomatoes (if using) and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in fresh lemon juice and basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve immediately with additional grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 580 kcal | Servings: 6 servings