Chicken Penne with Broccoli

Step 1 -Boil a large pot of water over high heat on the stovetop.

Step 2 -Add the penne pasta until slightly undercooked, about 8 minutes or about 4 minutes shy of al dente, according to the package directions.

Step 3 -Add the broccoli florets to the pot and simmer, covered, for 4 minutes.

Step 4 -Using a colander, carefully strain the broccoli-pasta mixture. Run cold water over the colander to prevent the mixture from continuing to cook.

Step 5 -Heat the now-empty pot over medium-high heat.

Step 6 -Add the olive oil.

Step 7 -Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and season with the salt and the pepper.

Step 8 -Once the chicken is cooked through and no pink remains, reading 165 degrees F when tested with a meat thermometer, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 9 -In the same pot, allow the 1/4 cup of the butter to melt.

Step 10 -Once melted, add the garlic and stir for 10 seconds.

Step 11 -Add the heavy cream, the salt, the pepper, and the nutmeg to the butter-garlic mixture, stirring often.

Step 12 -Once the sauce is bubbling, add the 1 1/2 cups of the parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce has thickened.

Step 13 -Add the chicken, the pasta, and the broccoli back to the pot and stir until coated.

Step 14 -Serve with the extra parmesan and the red pepper flakes.