Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and creamy goodness, Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne is the perfect dish to add to your dinner rotation. This pasta is a wonderful blend of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, all tossed with al dente penne pasta. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning gives the dish an extra layer of complexity that elevates it from a simple pasta to a restaurant-worthy meal.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends for a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and creamy texture. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this irresistible pasta at home!

Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne

For the Pasta:

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: How to Make Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne

1. Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it until it’s al dente, as this will give the pasta a nice texture to hold up when mixed with the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper and cook them for 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. This will help to infuse the oil with garlic flavor, setting the base for the creamy sauce.

4. Cook the Broccoli

Next, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to cook the broccoli until it’s tender but still has a slight crispness to it. This gives the dish a nice texture and ensures the broccoli doesn’t become too soft.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce 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). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. The cream and Parmesan will combine to create a rich, velvety sauce that will coat the pasta beautifully.

6. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Chicken

Once the sauce has thickened, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and mix them in. These tomatoes add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce.

7. Combine the Pasta

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

8. Serve

Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Tuscan chicken and broccoli Alfredo penne immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to this rich dish.

Tips for Making the Best Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne

Chicken Breast Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Make It Spicy: For those who like a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes are a great addition. You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance or skip them if you prefer a milder flavor.

Creamy Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick after adding the pasta, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water or more cream to reach your desired consistency.

Add More Veggies: If you want to sneak in more vegetables, consider adding some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this creamy pasta dish contains approximately:

Calories: 510 kcal

Fat: 30g

Carbohydrates: 38g

Protein: 30g

This dish is rich and satisfying, with a good balance of protein from the chicken and plenty of creamy indulgence. It’s perfect for a hearty dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne is a deliciously comforting pasta dish that blends creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and broccoli. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a burst of flavor that takes the dish to the next level, and the use of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream creates a sauce that’s rich and luxurious. Plus, it’s easy to make in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.

With its creamy texture and well-balanced flavors, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving it to family or entertaining guests, this Tuscan chicken pasta is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

More Articles You Might Like