Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne

Okay, friends, get ready for a dish that’s going to knock your socks off. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken smothered in a rich, creamy alfredo sauce, all tossed with tender penne pasta and fresh, vibrant broccoli. It’s everything you want in a comforting pasta dish, and then some. This Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne brings together those flavors we all love—garlic, Parmesan, and creamy goodness—into one big, cozy bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family, a special dinner, or just treating yourself, trust me, this meal is a winner!

Why You’ll Love Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne

Here’s why you’re going to want to make this dish again and again:

• Creamy Dreaminess: The alfredo sauce is indulgent and velvety, coating the pasta and chicken perfectly. Every bite feels like a little taste of heaven!
• One-Pan Wonder: All the magic happens in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. You can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: It’s the perfect balance of hearty pasta, succulent chicken, and fresh veggies. It’s everything you crave when you need a little cozy comfort in your life.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner date.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich, savory flavors, this dish is a hit with both kids and adults. If you’re serving a crowd, expect the compliments to roll in!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. They cook quickly and stay juicy, especially when seasoned well.
• Penne Pasta: Penne is a classic choice that holds the creamy sauce wonderfully. You can also use rigatoni or farfalle if you prefer.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch, color, and a burst of nutrition. Plus, it pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The base of our luscious alfredo sauce. It gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds that irresistible umami flavor and helps thicken the sauce to perfection.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish that bold, aromatic kick we all love.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and sautéing the garlic. It adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Butter: A little butter makes the sauce extra creamy and flavorful.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce and helps create the perfect consistency.
• Italian Seasoning: A must-have for that Tuscan flair. It gives the chicken and sauce a wonderful herbal note.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course, bringing everything together.
• Fresh Basil (optional): For a fresh, fragrant finish to garnish the dish.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to create this cozy dish? Here’s how to do it:

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if needed.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest before slicing it into strips.

3. Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove the broccoli and set it aside.

4. Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

5. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and broccoli back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

6. Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 590

• Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 51g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 36g
• Vitamin A: 20%
• Vitamin C: 80%
• Calcium: 20%
• Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne

This Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, here are some great ideas:

• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh, light salad like a simple mixed greens salad or a Caesar salad for some crunch and balance.
• Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up all that creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted veggies like carrots, asparagus, or zucchini for a healthy and flavorful addition.
• Wine Pairing: A nice white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio would complement the creamy alfredo sauce perfectly.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: Want to add a little heat? Throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to spice things up.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re really in a rush, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.
• Use Frozen Broccoli: If you don’t have fresh broccoli on hand, frozen broccoli works well too. Just be sure to thaw and drain it first.
• Meal Prep: This dish stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet with a splash of cream or chicken broth to keep it creamy.
• Customize Your Protein: You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms or tofu.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes, you can swap the penne for any pasta shape you like, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti.

Q2: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A2: You can, but the sauce won’t be as creamy. If you use milk, I recommend adding a little flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: You can prep everything in advance (cook the chicken, pasta, and broccoli), and then just combine everything and make the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly once thawed.

Q5: How can I make this dish healthier?
A5: To make this dish lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and opt for a leaner cut of chicken like chicken thighs or breast tenders.

Q6: Can I add more vegetables?
A6: Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would be great additions to this dish.

Q7: What can I use instead of Parmesan?
A7: If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese would make a great substitute.

Q8: Can I use a different protein?
A8: Yes! Shrimp, chicken thighs, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu would be great options.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of cream or broth to keep it from drying out.

Q10: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A10: You can try substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream and using dairy-free cheese options to make it dairy-free.

Conclusion

Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you need something both easy and delicious. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and broccoli come together in one skillet, making it both a crowd-pleaser and a breeze to clean up. Whether you’re cooking for family or just enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Happy cooking!

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