Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
- Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet, mixing them into the creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.