An Indulgent and Flavorful Comfort Meal
This Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne is the perfect balance of creamy richness, savory chicken, and vibrant veggies. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety Alfredo sauce brings a comforting yet sophisticated flavor to your table. And with the added bonus of pasta, it’s a hearty meal everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Cook the Penne:
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure you cook it to al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta, set it aside, and be sure not to overcook it, as it will continue to cook in the sauce later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Cook Broccoli:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Then, toss in the broccoli florets and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the broccoli to be tender yet still have a slight crisp to it, adding a nice texture to the dish.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
Lower the heat to low, and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them for a touch of heat). Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
5. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce and mix well. These tomatoes will give your sauce an extra depth of flavor, adding a touch of tanginess and color that complements the richness of the cream.
6. Combine Everything Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat the chicken with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and mix everything together until well combined and the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your creamy chicken pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Calories:
510 kcal per serving
Servings:
4 servings
This Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne is the ultimate comfort food, with rich, indulgent flavors and a beautiful balance of creamy, savory, and tangy elements. Whether you’re preparing it for your family or a special dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger and cravings. Make sure to enjoy it fresh, hot, and with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top for the full experience!
Tips to ensure your Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne turns out perfectly every time:
1. Use Fresh Ingredients:
Opt for fresh broccoli florets rather than frozen to get the best texture and flavor in your pasta dish.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
Cook the penne pasta just until al dente (firm to the bite). It will continue cooking in the sauce, and you want to avoid it becoming too soft and mushy.
3. Brown the Chicken Well:
Ensure you cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides. This will enhance the flavor and give it a satisfying texture.
4. Season the Chicken Well:
Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. You can also use additional herbs like garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
5. Use a Heavy Skillet:
For even heat distribution, cook the chicken and sauce in a heavy skillet or sauté pan, which will help avoid burning or uneven cooking.
6. Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken:
Cook the chicken in batches if needed. Overcrowding the skillet will trap moisture, preventing it from browning properly.
7. Adjust the Cream to Your Preference:
If you want a thicker sauce, add a bit more Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a thinner sauce, adjust with a little more cream or some chicken broth.
8. Sauté Garlic Carefully:
Be sure not to burn the garlic when sautéing it. Cook it just until fragrant (about 30 seconds) to avoid bitterness.
9. Add Red Pepper Flakes for a Kick:
If you love spice, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce for added heat.
10. Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil:
Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best texture and flavor. You can also use the oil from the jar to sauté the garlic for extra richness.
11. Don’t Skip the Parsley Garnish:
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish, so don’t skip this simple garnish!
12. Make It a One-Pan Meal:
To reduce cleanup, consider cooking the entire dish in one pan, including the pasta. Just cook the pasta in the sauce at the end for a true one-pan meal.
13. Add Fresh Herbs:
For extra freshness, garnish the dish with additional herbs like basil or oregano along with the parsley.
14. Use Half-and-Half for a Lighter Version:
If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly less rich sauce.
15. Make It More Veggie-Friendly:
If you prefer more veggies, add extra broccoli or mix in other vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
16. Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta:
For a healthier alternative, swap out the regular penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
17. Reheat with a Little Extra Cream:
If you have leftovers, reheat the pasta with a small splash of heavy cream or milk to prevent it from drying out.
18. Add a Touch of Lemon:
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving will balance the richness of the sauce with a hint of freshness.
19. Make It a Meal Prep Winner:
This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and pasta separately from the sauce to prevent it from becoming soggy.
20. Pair It with a Simple Salad:
Serve the pasta with a side salad, such as arugula or a Caesar salad, to complement the richness of the creamy sauce.
Variations for your Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne to keep things exciting and allow you to customize it to suit your preferences:
1. Swap Chicken for Shrimp:
For a seafood twist, substitute the chicken with shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a fresh flavor to the creamy sauce.
2. Add Bacon:
Crisp up some bacon and crumble it into the pasta for an extra layer of smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
3. Use Kale Instead of Broccoli:
If you prefer a slightly different green vegetable, try using kale instead of broccoli. Kale adds a hearty texture and a bit of bitterness to balance the richness of the sauce.
4. Add Mushrooms:
Sauté mushrooms in the skillet before adding the garlic for an earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
5. Make It Vegetarian:
Omit the chicken and replace it with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a tasty vegetarian version.
6. Go for a Spicy Version:
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the sauce to bring some heat to the dish.
7. Use Whole Wheat Pasta:
For a healthier alternative, swap the regular penne with whole wheat penne. This adds fiber and a nutty flavor to the dish.
8. Try a Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto:
In place of some of the sun-dried tomatoes, use a sun-dried tomato pesto to give the dish an even richer and more intense flavor.
9. Add a Creamy Spinach Layer:
Stir in a handful of fresh spinach while the sauce is simmering to create a creamy spinach layer that adds a burst of flavor and color.
10. Swap Heavy Cream for Greek Yogurt:
For a lighter and tangier alternative, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. It will still add creaminess but with fewer calories.
11. Use Chicken Thighs:
For a juicier, more flavorful option, swap chicken breast with chicken thighs. The thighs stay tender and juicy when cooked.
12. Make It Dairy-Free:
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream, and substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
13. Add Roasted Garlic:
For a deeper garlic flavor, roast some garlic in the oven until soft and mix it into the sauce instead of using fresh garlic.
14. Use Zucchini Noodles:
For a low-carb option, swap the penne pasta for zucchini noodles. This keeps the dish light while still allowing you to enjoy the creamy sauce.
15. Try a Lemon-Basil Alfredo:
Add fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a refreshing citrusy twist that lightens up the creamy pasta.
16. Mix in Goat Cheese:
Substitute some of the Parmesan cheese with goat cheese for a tangy, creamy flavor that complements the sun-dried tomatoes.
17. Add a Touch of Balsamic Vinegar:
Drizzle some balsamic vinegar over the finished dish to add a sweet and tangy finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
18. Add Pine Nuts for Crunch:
Toast some pine nuts and sprinkle them on top of the finished dish for a crunchy texture that complements the creaminess of the pasta.
19. Try Different Pasta Shapes:
Switch up the pasta by using fettuccine, rigatoni, or even farfalle (bow tie pasta) instead of penne for a different look and texture.
20. Make It Gluten-Free:
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure all other ingredients, such as broth and cream, are gluten-free.