Description
Hearty Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners with rich, velvety sauce and tender protein. Pasta lovers savor each forkful of this satisfying one-pan meal that promises quick deliciousness without compromising flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 chicken fillets, cooked and cut into small cubes
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 2 cups (300 grams) broccoli, cut into small florets
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 cup (100 grams) grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a generous pot of water with a pinch of salt, bringing it to a vigorous boil. Slide the penne pasta into the bubbling liquid, cooking according to package guidelines until perfectly tender. During the pasta’s final cooking moments, gently introduce broccoli florets into the water. Drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly, setting them aside momentarily.
- Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium flame. Tumble diced onions into the pan, allowing them to soften and become translucent, stirring occasionally. Introduce minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper, and continue cooking until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Dust the sautéed aromatics with a delicate layer of flour, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Gradually pour whole milk into the mixture, whisking diligently to create a silky, smooth sauce. Maintain gentle heat, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Shower the sauce with grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and integrates seamlessly. Fold in the reserved pasta, broccoli, and chicken, ensuring each morsel becomes lovingly embraced by the creamy sauce. Allow the ingredients to meld together, warming through for a few minutes.
- Artfully transfer the creamy concoction to a serving dish. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and invitingly creamy.
Notes
- Perfectly balanced one-pot meal combining protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates for a satisfying dinner.
- Quick and easy recipe ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknight cooking.
- Creamy parmesan sauce adds rich flavor and smooth texture without complicated ingredients.
- Can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini for variety.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
- Leftovers store well in refrigerator for 3-4 days, making excellent next-day lunch option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg