Name: Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe – A Comforting Pasta Delight
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 3 cups broccoli florets; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt (for boiling water); 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; 1 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup milk; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper (to taste); ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta
3 cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt (for boiling water)

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
- Boil penne in salted water until al dente.
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to the pot. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Remove from the pan.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
Combine Everything:
- Toss the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken into the sauce. Stir to coat evenly.

Serve:
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and serve warm.