Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the steamed broccoli florets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat through.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
Once the garlic and broccoli are cooked, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Season and Serve:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or basil. Serve the creamy chicken and broccoli penne immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy chicken and broccoli penne pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving for an added layer of flavor.
Storing Leftovers:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
If you prefer, you can freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Variants:
Add More Veggies:
If you love vegetables, you can add additional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the dish. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream.
Swap the Chicken for Shrimp:
For a seafood twist, substitute the chicken with shrimp. Cook the shrimp in the same way as the chicken, and follow the remaining steps as usual.
Use Whole Wheat Penne:
For a healthier version, swap out the regular penne for whole wheat penne. This adds extra fiber and makes the dish a little more filling.
Make it Dairy-Free:
To make this dish dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute. Use a dairy-free cheese to substitute the Parmesan, and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
FAQ:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and creamy sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and chicken, then toss with freshly cooked pasta and steamed broccoli.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or even water. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make the sauce without cream?
Yes, you can make a lighter version of the sauce by substituting the heavy cream with milk or a combination of milk and a small amount of flour to thicken it. However, keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also toss in some sliced fresh chili peppers for extra spice.
Conclusion: Creamy broccoli and chicken penne is the perfect comfort food that brings together the best of creamy sauces, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit various dietary preferences. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy pasta will surely impress and satisfy all your taste buds!
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