If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and indulgent, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe. This stunning meal blends tender, herb-seasoned chicken with rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, bright bursts of sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh, vibrant spinach all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to pull together on a weeknight, yet impressive enough for guests or special occasions. Trust me, once you dive into this creamy, savory delight, it’s going to become your go-to dinner recipe that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe straightforward yet flavorful depends on using simple, quality ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role—from the tender chicken breast providing protein and substance, to the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream creating that luscious sauce, and the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach offering pops of color and fresh flavor.
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: Easy to cook and ideal for soaking up the rich sauce.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Perfect shape for holding onto the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a lovely fruitiness and helps in cooking the chicken evenly.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Gives a sweet and tangy punch to balance the creaminess.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a subtle earthiness to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and aromatic depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The silky base for the Alfredo that makes this dish decadent.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly and deepens flavor complexity.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Essential for that cheesy, savory finish.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil for a classic Tuscan flair.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Must-haves for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook your penne pasta following the package instructions until it’s al dente—meaning tender but still with a little bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to be combined later. This step gives you the perfect pasta texture that holds the sauce beautifully without getting mushy.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, season those chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and your fragrant Italian seasoning. Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then place the chicken in, cooking it for 6 to 7 minutes per side. The goal here is a gorgeous golden crust locking in juicy tenderness. Once cooked through, remove the chicken to a plate, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice thinly for serving.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Here’s where the magic happens. In the same skillet that held your chicken, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to awaken its flavor without burning it. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt for a few minutes. These vibrant ingredients will add incredible depth and color to your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. This slow simmer thickens the sauce and melds all the layers of flavor together perfectly. You’ll notice the sauce taking on that irresistible creamy consistency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Now, add your cooked penne pasta along with the sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything gently until every piece is luxuriously coated in that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
This is the moment to plate your creation. Arrange the Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe on serving dishes, garnish with fresh basil if you like, and get ready for those swooning compliments. The colors, textures, and flavors come together in a truly wonderful dish you can be proud of.
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil brings a brilliant pop of green and fresh herbaceous aroma that perfectly complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even some cracked black pepper right before serving. These finishing touches elevate the dish and impress every diner.
Side Dishes
Because the Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe is so rich and filling, light sides work best. Consider a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition if you want to enjoy every drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more special occasion, serve the pasta in beautiful shallow bowls to showcase the colors and keep the creamy sauce contained. Layer the sliced chicken attractively on top or off to the side. You can also offer lemon wedges for that extra zing and a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch and nuttiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe are perfect for next-day meals. Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for delicious reheats.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, slightly undercook the pasta during the initial cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy after thawing. Pack the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
The secret to perfectly reheating this creamy pasta without drying it out is low and slow heat. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through, then serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor, but you may want to adjust the cooking time slightly. Just make sure they’re cooked through and enjoy the deeper richness they provide.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichokes for a vegetarian twist. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth ensures the sauce stays flavorful and creamy.
How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from splitting?
Simmer the sauce gently rather than boiling it vigorously. Adding cheese off the heat helps maintain smoothness. Also, stirring frequently during simmering keeps the sauce silky and prevents separation.
Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
While half-and-half can be used, the sauce may be a little less rich and creamy. To compensate, you might need to add a bit more cheese or cook the sauce slightly longer to thicken it.
What’s the best way to reheat pasta without drying it out?
Reheating in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream over low heat is ideal. Microwaving can work if you add a little liquid and cover the bowl to trap moisture, but tossing on the stove ensures a creamier, tastier result.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full rundown on how to create this luscious Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe, I hope you feel excited to make it your own. Its perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh greens offers comfort and elegance in one plate. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for yourself or a meal to impress loved ones, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to for that warm, satisfying feeling only a great homemade meal can bring.
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Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender pan-seared chicken breasts with a creamy Alfredo sauce enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Served over perfectly cooked penne pasta, this meal offers a comforting balance of creamy textures and robust Italian-inspired flavors, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy Tuscan chicken Alfredo pasta to plates and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness; use oil-packed for more richness or dry-packed with rehydration.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother melt and richer flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to prevent sauce separation.
