Chicken Broccoli Penne (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta & Protein
01 -
2 chicken breasts, diced into small chunks
02 -
2 cups of penne pasta
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
03 -
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
04 -
2 cups of fresh broccoli florets
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 -
Heavy cream (1 cup)
06 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 -
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
08 -
Half a cup of chicken broth
09 -
Salt and pepper as needed
10 -
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
→ Garnish
11 -
Chopped fresh parsley, about 1/4 cup (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Get a big pot, fill it with water, salt it, and bring it to a boil. Toss in the penne and cook til it's just firm enough to bite. Drain it well and leave it aside.
02 -
Warm up olive oil in a large pan on medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until they're golden and fully done inside, about 6–8 minutes. Take them out and set them aside.
03 -
Using the same pan, pour in the chicken broth and toss in the broccoli. Pop a lid on and let it steam until the broccoli softens and turns bright green, roughly 4–5 minutes.
04 -
Toss the chopped garlic into the pan, stirring for a quick 30 seconds until the smell comes through. Pour in the cream, let it simmer lightly, and mix in the Parmesan until it makes a smooth and creamy sauce.
05 -
Put the chicken back in the pan, along with the cooked pasta. Mix everything thoroughly, making sure all the pasta and chicken are covered in that creamy sauce.
06 -
Sprinkle some parsley over the top if you like and serve it hot.
# Notes:
01 -
For a twist, swap the chicken with tofu or shrimp.
02 -
Stir in chili flakes if you want it spicy.
03 -
Tastes best fresh, but it warms up nicely with a dash of cream.