Description
A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and penne pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of lemon. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp, maintaining a vibrant green color.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture gently simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Everything Together: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss well to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Lemon and Seasoning: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a fresh, herbal note.
Notes
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated will result in a smoother sauce.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus or spinach.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat cream.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; it should remain slightly firm to hold the sauce well.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing can add a subtle heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, broccoli penne, Parmesan cream sauce, easy chicken dinner, one-pan pasta
