Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort meal that’s fast enough for weeknights but luxurious enough for a weekend dinner, Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is your new go-to! This dish is a symphony of tender pasta, juicy sautéed chicken, and vibrant broccoli, all wrapped up in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce that tastes incredibly rich yet comes together with simple ingredients. Each bite is irresistibly cozy, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a pop of green from the broccoli. If you love meals that feel special without a lot of fuss, you’re going to adore Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne as much as I do!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it lets a handful of everyday ingredients each play their part in taste and texture. Every component, from the pasta to the cheese, is essential for making Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne irresistible!
- Penne Pasta: This tubular classic holds onto the sauce, ensuring you get a creamy bite every time.
- Olive Oil: Adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy while sautéing.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless bites of protein soak up all the herby flavor and stay super tender.
- Broccoli Florets: Bright, fresh broccoli adds color and a slight crunch to balance all that richness.
- Garlic: Three cloves provide that essential aromatic kick that deepens the sauce’s flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to the luscious, silky texture that defines this pasta.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce’s depth and helps steam the broccoli until perfectly tender.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty goodness that thickens and flavors the creamy sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that makes the dish wonderfully aromatic and satisfying.
- Salt and Pepper: Just enough to bring out all the flavors; always taste and adjust!
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): Chop it up for a sprinkle of color and fresh finish before serving.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Begin with the foundation! Bring a large pot of salted water to a happy, rolling boil, then add your penne pasta. Cook it until it’s just al dente; you want a bit of bite left so it can finish cooking in that luscious sauce later. Drain and set aside, but hold onto just a splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen your sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta does its thing, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add your chicken breast pieces and season generously with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sauté until each piece is beautifully golden and cooked through—never dry! Remove the chicken to a plate so it doesn’t overcook as you finish the other steps.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
Now, pour the chicken broth into the same skillet. Toss in your fresh broccoli florets and cover for just a few minutes. This gentle steam makes the broccoli bright green and just crisp-tender, keeping it vibrant without turning it mushy.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
With broccoli done, set it aside with the chicken. In the same pan, add a touch more olive oil if needed, then sauté your garlic until it’s fragrant (don’t let it burn). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts, giving you a dreamy sauce that coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the penne, chicken, and broccoli into the skillet with your sauce. Toss everything together so each noodle is coated and every bite gets a taste of creamy, savory goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, that reserved pasta water works wonders to loosen things up. Let everything warm through for a minute or two.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
This is the moment Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne really shines! Pile the pasta high into bowls and finish with a shower of fresh parsley, a bit more Parmesan, and—even better—share with people you love while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Garnishes
For a final flourish, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan are absolute musts. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes will wake up the creamy flavors, or add a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This pasta is rich but not heavy, so it pairs brilliantly with a bright, simple salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette. A crusty baguette or focaccia is perfect for wiping up every last bit of sauce. If you’re feeling decadent, roasted garlic bread is the gold standard.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne in large bowls for a cozy family meal, or try twirling small portions onto individual plates for a dinner party vibe. For a fun twist, load the pasta into a baking dish, top with a sprinkle of mozzarella, and broil until bubbly for a pasta bake version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne just as dreamy the second day—perhaps even more so!
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, although the sauce may separate a little when thawed. For best results, cool the pasta completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to help the sauce regain its silky texture. Stir frequently and warm only until heated through to keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is delightful for holding sauce, any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle will work perfectly with Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want to lighten things up, half and half or even whole milk can stand in for heavy cream. Just know the sauce will be a bit lighter—still delicious, but less rich.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for tofu or sautéed mushrooms, and use veggie broth in place of chicken broth. Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne becomes a fantastic vegetarian treat that’s still deeply satisfying.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Frozen broccoli is a lifesaver on busy nights. Just add it directly to the skillet, but keep an eye on cooking time as it might soften faster than fresh broccoli.
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the cream sauce or drizzle with chili oil just before serving. You can also toss in some sautéed jalapeños for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation—it’s that good! I hope you whip up this creamy, cozy pasta soon and love it as much as I do. Let your kitchen be filled with the irresistible aroma and share this dish with those who matter most!
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Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and satisfying meal with this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne recipe. Tender penne pasta, succulent chicken, and vibrant broccoli come together in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce that is sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
- 2 cups penne pasta
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Penne Pasta: Cook penne pasta until al dente; set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: In a skillet, sauté chicken in olive oil with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Remove from skillet.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam broccoli with chicken broth until tender.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until a smooth sauce forms.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss pasta, chicken, and broccoli with the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy flavor.
- Best served fresh, but reheats well with a splash of cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Creamy, Broccoli, Chicken, Penne, Pasta, Parmesan, Italian, Comfort Food
