Description
A delicious and creamy chicken pasta dish loaded with broccoli and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz. dry penne pasta
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup butter (cut into large cubes or slices)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to package directions. During the last 5 minutes, add the broccoli. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain well. Set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Warm the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Once it’s shimmering, swirl the pan to evenly distribute. Add the chicken and leave it undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, until the bottom is golden-brown.
- Flip over and add in 1 tablespoon of butter between them, picking up the pan to give it a gentle swirl to distribute. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F).
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and whisk until butter has melted.
- Add in the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; whisk until combined and smooth.
- Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and cook for 3-4 minutes, whisking constantly, until it starts to thicken.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup at a time, stirring, until melted and the sauce is smooth. (If the sauce ends up too thick, only if necessary, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water a few tablespoons at a time, to thin it out.)
- Take the sauce off the heat and immediately toss with the cooked penne pasta, broccoli, and chicken pieces.
- Divide the mixture among serving bowls. Garnish with parsley, more Parmesan, and black pepper if desired.
Notes
- This dish is best served immediately for maximum creaminess.
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg