Creamy Gorgonzola Chicken Penne with Broccoli
Indulge in this Creamy Gorgonzola Chicken Penne with Broccoli, a delightful one-dish meal that perfectly balances tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich and flavorful Gorgonzola cream sauce. This dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, and it pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine. With its creamy texture and savory notes, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broccoli florets
2 cups (steamed)
Butter
1/4 cup (unsalted, melted)
Chicken breasts
2 (skinless, cut into strips)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Penne pasta
2 1/2 cups (dry)
Dry white wine
1/3 cup (for cooking)
Heavy cream
1 cup (at room temperature)
Gorgonzola cheese
4 ounces (diced, rind removed)
Flour
1 tablespoon (for thickening)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly cracked)
Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons (freshly grated for serving)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli by steaming it in the microwave. Place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water, cover, and steam on high for about 2 minutes.
3
After steaming, shock the broccoli by plunging it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
4
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is nearly cooked through and no longer pink.
5
Pour in the dry white wine and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken.
6
If the sauce is too thin, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well; continue to cook for an additional minute to help thicken.
7
Reduce the heat to low and add in the steamed broccoli, drained penne, and diced Gorgonzola cheese. Gently fold the ingredients together until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
8
Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
9
Pair your dish with a lovely glass of white wine and enjoy it by the fire or at a beautifully set table.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Gorgonzola Chicken Penne with Broccoli?
It is a delightful one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and penne pasta in a rich Gorgonzola cream sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of dry penne pasta.
How should the chicken be prepared?
Use two skinless chicken breasts and cut them into strips before cooking.
How do I cook the broccoli for this dish?
Steam the broccoli florets in the microwave for about 2 minutes with a small amount of water.
What is the purpose of 'shocking' the broccoli?
Plunging the broccoli into ice water after steaming stops the cooking process and helps maintain its vibrant color and texture.
What kind of cheese gives this dish its signature flavor?
Gorgonzola cheese is the primary flavor profile, with Parmesan cheese used for garnishing.
Should the Gorgonzola cheese rind be included?
No, the recipe specifies that the rind should be removed before dicing the 4 ounces of Gorgonzola.
How do I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
You can sprinkle one tablespoon of flour over the sauce mixture and stir well, cooking for an additional minute.
What type of wine should be used for the sauce?
A dry white wine is recommended for cooking the sauce to balance the creaminess.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the skillet?
The chicken strips should be cooked for 5-7 minutes until they are no longer pink.
What temperature should the heavy cream be when added?
The recipe recommends using heavy cream at room temperature.
Is butter used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of unsalted, melted butter is used to cook the chicken and garlic.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What are the primary seasonings for the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
How long should the wine and cream mixture simmer?
It should simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.
When should the pasta and broccoli be added to the skillet?
They are added at the end on low heat, along with the Gorgonzola cheese.
Can this be served immediately?
Yes, it is best served immediately once the cheese has melted and ingredients are well combined.
What is a recommended beverage pairing for this meal?
It pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Italian cuisine due to the use of penne, Gorgonzola, and Parmesan.
What is the texture of the pasta for this recipe?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
Can I use salted butter instead?
The recipe suggests unsalted butter, but if you use salted, you may want to adjust the added kosher salt.
What makes this an easy recipe?
It is a one-dish meal with straightforward steps like microwave steaming and skillet cooking.
How much Gorgonzola cheese is required?
You will need 4 ounces of diced Gorgonzola.
Do I need to boil the water for the pasta?
Yes, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
How much Parmesan is used for serving?
4 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese are used for garnish.
Is there a specific way to stir the final ingredients?
The instructions suggest gently folding the ingredients together to avoid breaking the pasta or broccoli.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food because of its rich, creamy texture.
Can I adjust the seasonings at the end?
Yes, the instructions recommend tasting the dish and adjusting seasonings as necessary before serving.