Description
This Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne is a rich and flavorful dish, featuring tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and crisp broccoli, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy dinner night!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta and broccoli: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water to steam them. Drain both and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, set aside, and slice into strips.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue to cook, stirring, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Add chicken: Top the pasta with the sliced chicken and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Stir gently to combine.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot!
Notes
- For a lower-carb option, you can substitute the penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- You can also add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and flavor.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg