Step 1: Prepare the pasta water

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.

Step 2: Season the chicken

Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels.

Season evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and 1 tablespoon of butter.

Cook for approximately 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil.

Step 4: Prepare the garlic butter base

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.

Add the sliced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and lightly golden.

If using red pepper flakes, stir them in and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 5: Add the broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet.

Sauté for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli begins to soften while retaining its bright green color.

Step 6: Cook the pasta

Meanwhile, add the penne to the boiling salted water.

Cook until approximately 1 minute before al dente, according to the package directions.

Before draining, reserve up to 2 cups of pasta cooking water.

Step 7: Prepare the sauce

Pour 1 cup of chicken stock into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release the flavorful browned bits.

Add the remaining 2 cups of chicken stock and the lemon juice.

Increase the heat to high and simmer until the liquid reduces by approximately half.

Step 8: Combine everything

Reduce the heat to medium.

Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet.

Add the drained pasta and approximately ½ cup of reserved pasta water.

Toss everything together and continue cooking until the pasta reaches al dente and the chicken is thoroughly heated.

Step 9: Adjust the sauce

Taste the Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

If the sauce becomes too thick or dry, add a small splash of reserved pasta water and toss again.

Step 10: Finish and serve

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Stir in the minced parsley and serve immediately.

Finish with grated halal-suitable Parmesan-style or Pecorino-style cheese, if desired