Chicken And Broccoli Penne Alfredo

If you’re looking for a hearty yet comforting dish that satisfies the whole family, this Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo is a perfect choice.

It’s a creamy, delicious pasta recipe loaded with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a luscious Alfredo sauce.

Let’s dive right into the recipe!

How To Make Chicken And Broccoli Penne Alfredo?

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly.

Cook for 2-3 minutes over low heat until warmed through.

Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 480 kcal

Protein: 36g

Carbohydrates: 42g

Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 9g

Cholesterol: 95mg

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 3g

Sodium: 420mg

How To Serve Chicken And Broccoli Penne Alfredo?

➤ Pair it with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

➤ Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.

➤ Enjoy it with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Tips and Variations

Tips:

❖ Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

❖ Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

❖ Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet is small to ensure even cooking.

Variations:

✤ Swap chicken for shrimp or sliced sausage for a twist.

✤ Use gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten.

✤ Add mushrooms or spinach for an extra dose of veggies.

Health Benefits

✔️ Protein-Packed: The chicken provides lean protein to support muscle repair and growth.

✔️ Rich in Fiber: Broccoli is high in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.

✔️ Calcium Boost: Parmesan cheese and cream contribute to your daily calcium intake for stronger bones.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

Avoid freezing this dish as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing.

Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

With its quick preparation and simple ingredients, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.

Let me know how it turned out for you in the comments!

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