Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Ingredients:
1 pound penne pasta
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine.
Add Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese (optional).
Tips:
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or sausage.
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Enjoy this creamy and comforting pasta dish! ๐
#pasta of your choice #chicken pasta #pastalover #confortfood #dinner recipes
If you're looking to add more nutrition and flavor to this creamy penne pasta dish, consider cooking the broccoli in a pan with a bit of olive oil and garlic before adding it to the pasta and sauce. This method enhances the broccoli's taste and keeps it crisp yet tender. For those curious about cooking the chicken perfectly for Alfredo pasta, I recommend cooking it over medium-high heat until it's just browned and cooked through to keep it juicy. Avoid overcooking by cutting the chicken into uniform cubes so they cook evenly. If you want to make this dish lighter while still creamy, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or add some low-fat milk and reduce butter slightly, though the sauce might be less thick. To elevate this recipe, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a refreshing aroma. Serving this creamy broccoli and chicken penne with a simple side salad or garlic bread complements the richness perfectly and balances the meal. This dish is also a great base for experimenting with different veggies. Sautรฉed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach blend nicely. This homemade creamy penne pasta is a satisfying, hassle-free dinner option that feels indulgent but can be adjusted easily to your dietary preferences.
