🍝 Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Roasted Broccoli Penne 🥦
Crispy parmesan-crusted chicken sits atop a creamy garlic pasta studded with roasted broccoli—comfort food at its finest!
⏰ Time
- Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Total: 50 mins
- Serves: 4
📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Pasta & Broccoli:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Roast the Broccoli
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss broccoli with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 mins until charred at edges.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken
- Mix Parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Press onto chicken breasts.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 5-6 mins per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Pasta & Sauce
- Cook penne al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium. Sauté garlic 30 secs.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan. Simmer 3-4 mins until thickened.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Toss with pasta and roasted broccoli.
4️⃣ Serve
- Slice chicken and place over pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
🌟 Pro Tips
- Extra crispy chicken: Use Panko + Parmesan for the crust.
- Lighter sauce: Substitute half the cream with milk.
- Shortcut: Use pre-cooked chicken (add at the end).
🍽 Serving Ideas
🥖 Pair with garlic bread and a crisp white wine.
🥗 Add a side Caesar salad for a full meal.
Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Creamy, garlicky, and crunchy all in one bite.
✔️ Sneaky veggies—kids won’t resist the roasted broccoli!
✔️ Restaurant-worthy but easy enough for weeknights.
Leftovers? Reheat with a splash of broth to revive the sauce!
Craving more? Swap broccoli for asparagus or mushrooms! 🍄
