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Chicken and Broccoli Penne Pasta

A quick and delicious pasta dish featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and mushrooms in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Keyword: Penne Pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 875kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 oz whole wheat penne
  • 12 oz  frozen broccoli
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved into 4 cutlets (about 1 ½ lbs)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms (baby bella or preferred variety)
  • 2-3  large garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz cream cheese or neufchâtel, cubed
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Cook Pasta & Broccoli:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and frozen broccoli, cooking per package instructions (about 8 minutes) until al dente.
  • Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, then drain (do not rinse) and return pasta and broccoli to the pot.

Cook Chicken:

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Sear chicken, undisturbed, for about 2 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 155°F–160°F.
  • Transfer chicken to an oven-safe plate, loosely cover with foil, and keep warm in a 200°F oven.

Prepare Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, melt butter. Add mushrooms, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until golden (7–10 minutes).
  • Stir in garlic and cook for 20–30 seconds.
  • Add cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of reserved pasta water, followed by Parmesan. Stir until creamy.

Assemble & Serve:

  • Pour the sauce over the pasta and broccoli, tossing to coat. If needed, add more reserved pasta water for a smoother texture. Adjust seasoning.
  • Slice chicken into thin strips and serve over the pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan.

Notes

Tip: Pair with a simple side salad for a balanced meal!

Nutrition

Calories: 875kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 269mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 38g
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