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- 8 oz penne pasta - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) - Use 8 oz of penne pasta for four servings. Cook until al dente for the best texture. - For broccoli, choose vibrant green florets. Fresh is best, but frozen works too. - The chicken should be boneless and skinless. It cooks faster and has less fat. - Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter version. - Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best taste. Pre-grated cheese may not melt well. - Seasoning is key. Adjust salt and pepper based on your taste. - For garnish, fresh basil adds flavor and color. It's optional but highly recommended. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente, as per the package directions. With about three minutes left for the pasta, add the fresh broccoli florets to the water. This method is called blanching. It keeps the broccoli bright and crisp. Once done, drain both the pasta and broccoli together. Set them aside for later use. In a deep skillet, heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your diced chicken. Season it well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about five to seven minutes. You want it golden-brown and cooked all the way through. To check doneness, ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center. After the chicken is cooked, add three minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for one minute until the garlic smells amazing. Next, pour in one cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Let it simmer for two to three minutes. This step melds the flavors together. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir in one cup of heavy cream. Gradually add one cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. This process creates a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta and broccoli beautifully. You can find the full recipe to guide you through every step. To make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, prep is key. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This keeps you organized and saves time. Chop the chicken and broccoli first. Mince the garlic while the water boils. - Efficient prep strategies: Always read the recipe before starting. This helps you understand the steps. Prepare your workspace by clearing the counter and having bowls ready. - Tips for multitasking in the kitchen: While the pasta cooks, sauté the chicken. This saves time. Keep an eye on both pots. If you need to, set a timer for each task. - How to ensure everything is ready simultaneously: Aim to finish the sauce just as the pasta and broccoli are done. When the pasta is almost ready, start making the sauce. This way, you combine everything at its freshest. Adding flavors can make your dish pop. Use fresh herbs and spices to boost taste. - Recommended herbs and spices: Italian seasoning brings warmth. You can also try garlic powder or crushed red pepper for a kick. Fresh basil adds a nice touch at the end. - Adjusting creaminess levels: If you want a richer sauce, add more heavy cream. For a lighter version, use less cream or substitute with chicken broth. - Adding protein alternatives: If you want to switch things up, consider shrimp or tofu. Both options work well with the sauce. Presentation matters when serving your dish. It makes your meal feel special. - Ideal plating techniques: Serve the pasta in a shallow bowl. This allows the sauce to shine. Garnish with fresh basil for color and aroma. - Complementary side dishes: A crisp salad pairs nicely with this dish. Garlic bread also makes a great side. - Best beverages to pair: A light white wine like Pinot Grigio enhances the flavors. For a non-alcoholic choice, try sparkling water with lemon. These tips will help you create a creamy, flavorful delight that impresses family and friends. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can customize Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne to fit your diet. Here are some great swaps: - Gluten-free pasta options: Use rice or quinoa pasta. They work well in this dish. - Alternative proteins: Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Both add unique flavors. - Dairy-free cream substitutes: Use coconut cream or almond milk. These keep it rich and tasty. You can prepare this dish in various ways. Here are a few methods to consider: - Oven-baked version: Combine all ingredients in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F until bubbly. - Stovetop versus Instant Pot: The stovetop gives you control, while the Instant Pot cooks faster. Choose based on your time. - Skillet methods: If you need a quicker option, sauté everything in a large skillet. This saves time and keeps flavors fresh. Adding regional flavors can make this dish exciting. Here are some ideas: - Italian-inspired variations: Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist. - Adding seasonal vegetables: Incorporate zucchini or asparagus for extra color and taste. - Incorporating different cheeses: Try mozzarella or goat cheese. They add creaminess and a unique flavor. For the full recipe, check out the complete details and instructions. To keep your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. This dish stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Always let it cool before sealing it. This step helps avoid condensation, which can make the dish soggy. If you want to freeze your pasta, it’s best to do it right away. Portion out the pasta in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can for better preservation. Your dish can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. For reheating, the stove is your best friend. It warms the dish evenly and keeps the creaminess. If you're using a microwave, do it in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. You may need to add a splash of cream or a bit of pasta water to regain the sauce's smoothness. On the stove, aim for low heat, stirring gently. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes. Enjoy your meal just like it was fresh! You can make this dish ahead in a few easy steps. First, cook the penne pasta and broccoli. Drain them, then set them aside. Next, prepare the chicken and sauce, but do not mix in the pasta yet. Store the chicken and sauce in a separate container. Keep the pasta and broccoli in another. For best flavor, assemble the dish within two days. Yes, you can swap out broccoli for other veggies. Try using spinach, peas, or bell peppers. Each vegetable brings its own flavor. For example, spinach adds a mild taste, while bell peppers can add a sweet crunch. Make sure your choices balance well with the creamy sauce. For a healthier version, reduce the heavy cream. You can use low-fat milk instead. Add more veggies like zucchini or carrots to boost nutrition. Consider using whole grain penne for added fiber. These changes keep your meal tasty while cutting calories. To make the sauce richer, boost the umami flavor. You can add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice. Both will enhance the taste and add brightness. Try using a pinch of grated nutmeg for extra depth, too. This dish goes well with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens and a light vinaigrette works great. You can also serve crusty bread for dipping. If you enjoy wine, a glass of Chardonnay will complement the meal nicely. This blog post shared a delicious recipe for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne. We covered key ingredients, precise measurements, and clear cooking steps. I offered tips for timing, flavor enhancements, and serving ideas. You learned about ingredient variations and smart storage methods too. To wrap up, this dish is flexible and can fit different diets. With a little creativity, you can make it your own. Enjoy cooking and sharing this meal with others!

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Indulge in this delicious and easy creamy broccoli and chicken penne recipe that's perfect for any weeknight dinner! With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce enveloping perfectly cooked penne, it's a dish the whole family will love. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that's not only comforting but also packed with flavor. Click now to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. When there are about 3 minutes left on the cooking time, add the fresh broccoli florets to the boiling water to blanch them. Once done, drain both the pasta and broccoli together, and set them aside.

    In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until it's fully cooked through and has developed a nice golden-brown color.

      Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional minute, stirring constantly until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

        Carefully pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the broth reduce slightly.

          Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until it's fully incorporated. Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continually until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

            Incorporate the drained penne pasta and blanched broccoli into the skillet, tossing everything thoroughly so that the pasta and broccoli are well coated with the luscious creamy sauce. If necessary, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

              Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding extra salt and freshly ground black pepper.

                Serve the pasta hot, garnishing each plate with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4