Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne dish, a perfect combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta, all enveloped in a light, flavorful sauce. This low-cholesterol recipe is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners. Packed with nutrients and bursting with freshness, this dish is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Serve it warm for a comforting meal that promotes a healthy lifestyle!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
onion
1 tablespoon (chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (chopped)
diced tomatoes
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (with juices)
fresh broccoli florets
2 cups (trimmed)
salt
1 pinch (to taste)
pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
dried oregano
1 pinch (to taste)
dry penne pasta
20 ounces (uncooked)
fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup (torn)
grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook until they are lightly browned on both sides, approximately 6-8 minutes.
2
Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is just golden.
3
Add the broccoli florets and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
4
While the sauce is simmering, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water if needed.
5
Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and broccoli sauce in the skillet, mixing thoroughly. If the mixture appears dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
6
Off the heat, stir in the fresh basil leaves, allowing their aroma to infuse the dish. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The main dish is Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne, a combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta in a light sauce.
How many calories are in a serving of this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-cholesterol diet?
Yes, this recipe is specifically described as a low-cholesterol meal option.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of dry penne pasta.
How much chicken is required for this dish?
The recipe requires 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 12.5g of protein.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
The dish contains 5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this pasta dish?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should the chicken be cooked initially?
The chicken should be cooked in olive oil for approximately 6-8 minutes until lightly browned on both sides.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets and two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes.
What aromatics are used to flavor the base?
The base is flavored with 1 tablespoon of chopped onion and 2 cloves of chopped garlic.
What seasonings are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with a pinch of salt, pepper, and dried oregano to taste.
How long does it take to simmer the broccoli and tomato mixture?
The mixture should simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes before adding them to the skillet?
No, you should add the diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet.
What should I do if the pasta and sauce mixture appears dry?
If the mixture appears dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
What fresh herb is added at the end of cooking?
1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn, should be stirred in off the heat.
How is the dish garnished for serving?
The dish is garnished with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
How many ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and takes roughly 20-30 minutes of total cooking time.
What type of cuisine is this dish associated with?
This dish is categorized as Italian cuisine.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal that promotes a healthy lifestyle.
How much olive oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Can I use dry herbs instead of fresh basil?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh basil leaves to infuse the dish with aroma at the end.
What kind of chicken preparation is required?
The chicken should be boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Is the penne cooked in the same pan as the chicken?
No, the penne is cooked separately in a medium pot of salted water and then combined with the sauce.
What is the recommended cooking time for the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10 minutes.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting meal that is still healthy and nutrient-dense.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Key tags include chicken, broccoli, pasta, low cholesterol, quick dinner, and Italian.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates no added sugar is specified in the ingredients.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
The provided data does not specify the fiber content for this recipe.