If you are looking for a comforting yet elegant dinner that will wow your family or guests, this Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with tender-crisp broccoli and al dente penne pasta all swirled in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce that has just the right touch of sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and texture, making it feel like a little taste of Italy right at home. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe has the warmth and richness to satisfy every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe is deceptively simple to prepare, yet every ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the herbs that season the chicken to the fresh broccoli that adds a vibrant crunch, each component complements the creamy, cheesy sauce beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, easy to cook evenly and perfect for soaking up seasoning.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning: Essential for layering classic flavors on the chicken.
- Penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color and a pleasant crunch that balances the richness.
- Butter: Builds the base of the sauce with a silky texture and rich flavor.
- Garlic: Imparts aromatic depth and warmth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy consistency essential to Alfredo sauce.
- Chicken broth: Lightens and adds savory undertones to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce giving it signature cheesy sharpness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Introduce tangy sweetness and a delightful chewy texture.
- Baby spinach: Wilts down to add freshness and a subtle earthiness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A hint of heat that wakes up the palate.
- Lemon juice: Balances the creaminess with a bright and zesty finish.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and that aromatic Italian seasoning blend. This seasoning forms the flavor foundation that will infuse every bite. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook it until the outside is beautifully golden and the inside is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and slice it up into juicy strips to be added later.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Throw in the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente texture. During the last two minutes of cooking, add the fresh broccoli florets directly to the water so they become tender but still crisp. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, letting them set aside while you craft the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet from the chicken (hello flavor leftovers), melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and then whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until you get a silky smooth, luscious sauce. The cheese will melt beautifully, giving you that irresistible creaminess.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Heat Through
Time to add those vibrant bites of sunshine—sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together allowing the spinach to wilt softly into the sauce, and the tomatoes to rehydrate slightly, bringing bursts of sweetness and color.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add the cooked penne and broccoli into the sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece in that velvety goodness. Layer the sliced chicken atop this creamy mixture and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish and cut through the richness just perfectly. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting mouthful!
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving plate with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. A grating of extra Parmesan cheese on top invites an added layer of cheesy indulgence that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This hearty Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp side salads, such as a simple arugula and lemon vinaigrette mix, or roasted garlic bread that’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with the chicken slices artfully fanned on top. Alternatively, place the pasta inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bell peppers for a festive presentation that’s sure to impress at dinner parties or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers of the Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken upon chilling, but it will regain its creaminess once reheated gently.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a great make-ahead meal. Portion the cooled pasta and chicken into freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To maintain best quality, avoid freezing the pasta with spinach, adding fresh spinach when reheating instead.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers on low heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce and restore that fresh-from-the-stove creaminess. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating without curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe and can be added directly to the boiling pasta water during the last two minutes of cooking for convenience.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes, you can replace half of the heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce some of the richness while still maintaining a creamy texture in the sauce.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a vegan alternative, use a dairy-free cream substitute, and choose a vegan Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
What can I add to make it even more flavorful?
Mushrooms or artichoke hearts make excellent additions, adding extra texture and earthy undertones that pair wonderfully with the Tuscan flavors.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Cook chicken breasts until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The meat should be opaque with clear juices and no pink inside for safe consumption.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe is a delightful meal that brings together comforting textures and vibrant flavors in a way that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to linger over the table, savoring each forkful with joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a favorite in your kitchen just as it has in mine!
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Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne recipe that combines tender seasoned chicken breasts, al dente penne pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This Italian-American dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate and let rest before slicing.
- Cook the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Add the fresh broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cooking to cook them tender-crisp. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
- Add cheese and vegetables: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally until the spinach wilts and the mixture is heated through.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Finish the dish: Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the pasta and sauce. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice to brighten all the flavors. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Frozen broccoli works well too, just add it directly to the pasta water while cooking.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide the best flavor and texture.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts for additional variety and texture.
