Elegant Chicken and Broccoli Penne
Indulge in this deliciously satisfying one-dish meal that combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and sun-drenched tomatoes, all enveloped in a flavorful olive oil and pesto sauce. This recipe is not only quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, but it also impresses at dinner parties. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a well-rounded meal that will impress your guests and delight your family. Ideal for using up leftover cooked chicken breasts, this dish will soon become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne or rigatoni pasta
12 ounces (dry)
fresh broccoli florets
1/2 pound (blanched)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
garlic
2-3 cloves (minced)
pesto sauce
2 tablespoons (for flavoring)
diced tomatoes
1 can (10 ounces) (undrained)
grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (for mixing and garnish)
boneless cooked chicken breast
1 pound (chopped)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (optional)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh basil
to garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne or rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
3
In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and pesto sauce, sautéing for approximately 2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
4
To the sauté pan, add the diced tomatoes (with juices), blanched broccoli, chopped cooked chicken, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir the mixture well and heat until warmed through, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5
Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and vegetable mixture in the sauté pan, stirring gently to blend all ingredients evenly.
6
Remove the pan from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil until well combined. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
16.5g
Fat
55g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elegant Chicken and Broccoli Penne?
It is a satisfying one-dish meal combining penne pasta, tender chicken, broccoli, and tomatoes in a pesto and olive oil sauce.
What kind of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 12 ounces of penne or rigatoni pasta.
How should the broccoli be prepared before adding it to the pasta?
You should blanch the fresh broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes and then rinse them under cold water.
Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for using up leftover cooked boneless chicken breasts.
What is the calorie count for this meal?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of this dish?
This recipe provides 26g of protein per serving.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should add the 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes along with their juices to the pan.
What flavorings are added to the olive oil base?
Minced garlic and pesto sauce are sautéed in olive oil to create a fragrant base for the sauce.
How much pesto sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce.
Can I add heat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired for a bit of spice.
What kind of cheese is folded into the pasta at the end?
3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is folded in just before serving.
How much olive oil is required for sautéing?
You will need 1/4 cup of olive oil.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The dish contains 16.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 55g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 2-3 cloves of garlic should be minced before sautéing.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Garnish the meal with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Is this dish considered a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick dinner and is ideal for busy weeknights.
What sides are suggested to serve with this penne?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread.
How long should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the penne or rigatoni in salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
How long do you heat the chicken and vegetable mixture?
Once all ingredients are added to the sauté pan, heat them for approximately 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
Is this recipe suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, while quick to prepare, its elegant flavor profile makes it suitable for impressing guests at dinner parties.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
One pound of cooked, chopped boneless chicken breast is required.
Can I use rigatoni if I don't have penne?
Yes, rigatoni is an excellent alternative suggested by the recipe.
What seasonings are added to the sauce?
Salt and ground black pepper are added to taste, along with optional red pepper flakes.
Why do I rinse the broccoli under cold water?
Rinsing the blanched broccoli under cold water halts the cooking process to keep it vibrant and firm.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal because the pasta and ingredients are combined in a single pan for the final stage.
When do you remove the pan from the heat?
Remove the pan from the heat after combining the pasta and chicken mixture, then fold in the cheese and basil.
How many cloves of garlic are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 to 3 cloves of garlic.
Is fresh basil necessary?
While optional for garnish, fresh basil adds a burst of freshness and is highly recommended for the best flavor.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features flavors of pesto, garlic, sun-drenched tomatoes, and fresh basil.