Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne

Introduction

Hello, my fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that combines everything I love about comfort food with the elegance of Tuscan flavors. Imagine tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and vibrant broccoli all tied together with sun-dried tomatoes for that signature Mediterranean flair. The result? A dish that’s as satisfying as it is gorgeous to serve!

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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Flavors That Wow: Creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce with hints of sun-dried tomato tang and hearty chicken—it’s a flavor explosion!
• Balanced & Hearty: Protein-packed chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and comforting pasta make this a complete meal.
• Easy Yet Impressive: While it looks and tastes like something you’d order out, it’s incredibly simple to make.

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What Does Tuscan Chicken Alfredo Taste Like?

Close your eyes and imagine the rich creaminess of Alfredo sauce kissed by garlic and Parmesan, paired with juicy, golden-brown chicken and the slight crunch of steamed broccoli. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweet-tangy punch, balancing the dish’s creaminess and adding a pop of color. It’s indulgent yet fresh—perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy date night in.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delicious dish, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 2 cups penne pasta
• 1 ½ cups broccoli florets
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan

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Tools You’ll Need

• A large skillet
• Medium pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Tongs or a spatula
• Knife and cutting board

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Penne

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Steam the Broccoli

While the chicken cooks, steam your broccoli florets until just tender. (You can also blanch them by boiling for 2–3 minutes and then shocking in ice water.)

4. Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

5. Combine Everything

Add the cooked penne, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.

6. Add the Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the pasta. Let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes.

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Serving Suggestions

This Tuscan Chicken Alfredo Penne is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• A side of garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
• A crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast.
• A glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

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Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keep it bright green and slightly crisp for the best texture and color.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can make the sauce grainy. Grating your own ensures a velvety sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps thin out the sauce without losing its creamy consistency.

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Storage Instructions

Have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just swap the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Q: Can I use a different vegetable?
A: Yes! Spinach, asparagus, or zucchini would all work beautifully.

Q: How can I make this lighter?
A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the Parmesan slightly for a lighter sauce.

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Conclusion

This Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Penne isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, sparks compliments, and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or treating yourself, this is a meal you’ll come back to time and time again.

Love this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest and share your creations with me—I’d love to see how you made it your own!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 22g

Ready to get cooking? You’ve got this! 😊

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