Creamy Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo
Indulge in the decadent combination of tender grilled chicken, vibrant broccoli, and hearty whole wheat penne tossed in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. This comforting dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The savory garlic and onion sauté brings depth and flavor, while freshly grated Parmesan adds the finishing touch. Enjoy it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete dining experience your family will love!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (pounded to even thickness)
frozen broccoli
16 ounces (thawed)
onion
1 (finely diced)
garlic cloves
2 (finely minced)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
alfredo sauce
16 ounces (store-bought or homemade)
whole wheat penne
16 ounces (cooked)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to season chicken)
pepper
1 teaspoon (to season chicken)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (to season chicken)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to lightly pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch.
2
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the pounded chicken breasts.
3
Preheat the grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest.
4
In a large pot, bring one gallon of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat penne and cook for 7-8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5
While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion starts to soften.
6
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant. Add the frozen broccoli to the skillet, stirring to coat with the oil. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the broccoli is heated through and tender.
7
Lower the heat and pour the Alfredo sauce into the broccoli mixture, stirring until combined. Allow the sauce to heat thoroughly. If the sauce appears too thick, add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.
8
Toss the cooked and drained penne into the Alfredo mixture, coating the pasta evenly with the sauce.
9
Slice the grilled chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the pasta-plated dish. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
10
Serve immediately, alongside a refreshing green salad and warm garlic bread for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
43g
Carbs
33g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
This dish is a Creamy Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of whole wheat penne.
Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Yes, while the recipe specifies whole wheat penne for nutritional value, you can substitute it with regular penne if preferred.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts before grilling?
Place the chicken breasts between plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet.
What spices are used to season the grilled chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with a mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
How long should the chicken be grilled?
Grill the chicken for 8-10 minutes on each side until it is no longer pink in the center.
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How much broccoli does this recipe require?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of frozen broccoli that has been thawed.
How long do I need to boil the penne pasta?
Cook the penne in salted water for 7-8 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
How should the onion be prepared?
One onion should be finely diced before sautéing.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, finely minced.
When should I add the garlic to the skillet?
Add the garlic after the onions have sautéed for 2-3 minutes and started to soften.
How long should I cook the broccoli in the skillet?
Cook the broccoli for about 5 minutes or until it is heated through and tender.
What can I do if the Alfredo sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can use 16 ounces of either store-bought or homemade Alfredo sauce.
How much Parmesan cheese is added at the end?
The dish is finished with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What side dishes are recommended with this meal?
It is recommended to serve this dish with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 33 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
The dish contains 43 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 11 ingredients in total.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy due to the inclusion of broccoli, lean chicken, and whole wheat pasta.
Can I use a grill pan if I don't have an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan can be used over medium-high heat as an alternative to an outdoor grill.
How do I ensure the chicken is juicy?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook uniformly, and letting it rest after grilling helps retain juices.
What is the texture of the broccoli in this dish?
The broccoli should be cooked until it is heated through and tender but still vibrant.
When do I slice the chicken?
Slice the grilled chicken breasts after they have rested and just before arranging them on top of the plated pasta.
Is this dish suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a weeknight dinner and a crowd-pleaser.
How do I incorporate the penne into the sauce?
Toss the cooked and drained penne directly into the skillet with the Alfredo and broccoli mixture to coat it evenly.