Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of Chicken and Vegetable Penne Alfredo—an Italian classic that promises to elevate your dinner game! With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce, this dish is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe is quick to prepare, taking only 40 minutes from start to finish. Ready to transform your kitchen into an Italian bistro? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken breast, cooked and sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of penne pasta, 2 cups of cooked and sliced chicken breast, 1 cup of broccoli florets, 1 cup of Alfredo sauce, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This will help season the pasta as it cooks.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 11-13 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. In a separate pot, bring a small amount of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Return the drained pasta to the pot.
- Add the cooked and sliced chicken breast and the blanched broccoli to the pot with the penne. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Pour the Alfredo sauce over the chicken and pasta mixture. Stir well to coat all the ingredients with the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir again until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Season the Chicken and Vegetable Penne Alfredo with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning.
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your delicious Chicken and Vegetable Penne Alfredo!
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, be sure to cook the penne pasta just until al dente. This will keep it firm and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the flavor of the dish. If you can, opt for fresh over frozen for the best results.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even peas to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor to your Alfredo.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water! This starchy liquid is a great way to adjust the consistency of your sauce without losing flavor.
- Perfect Your Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference, and consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the presentation and make your dish look restaurant-worthy.
- Serve Immediately: Alfredo sauce can thicken as it cools, so serve your Chicken and Vegetable Penne Alfredo right away for the creamiest experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 461kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 78mg
