Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the kind of easy, hearty pasta dish you’ll want to make again and again for busy weeknights or an effortless family dinner. You get juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and penne all coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that clings to every bite. The best part? This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, yet tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant. With its colorful veggies, comforting flavors, and irresistible creamy texture, Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is destined to become your new go-to pasta recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne has a special role, from adding flavor and richness to contributing color and balance. The best part is, you probably already have most of these on hand, making this dinner a breeze to whip up anytime.
- Penne Pasta: The lovely tube-shaped pasta is perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce and making each forkful satisfying.
- Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the chicken develop a gorgeous golden crust.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast provides plenty of lean protein and soaks up the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in the chicken and vegetables.
- Broccoli Florets: They add color, freshness, and nutrients, plus a pleasant crunch that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses every bite with savory, aromatic depth.
- Dried Basil: A hint of herbal flavor balances all the creamy elements and gives you Italian-inspired flair.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A touch of heat for those who love a gentle kick in their creamy pasta.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes your sauce unforgettably rich and luscious.
- Chicken Broth: Adds another layer of savory flavor while keeping the sauce silky and not too dense.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty depth and classic Italian character.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and flavor that makes your finished plate look extra inviting.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the penne pasta and let it cook according to the package instructions. Just a couple minutes before the pasta is ready, add the broccoli florets right to the pot so they become beautifully crisp-tender without needing another pan! Once both are done, drain them and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season those chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Let them cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden on the edges and cooked all the way through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
With the same skillet—those browned bits are flavor gold!—add minced garlic, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you love a hint of heat. Give everything a quick sauté, just about 30 seconds, until fragrant, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese so the sauce gets thick, smooth, and irresistible.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken, penne, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta and veggies get a glossy coating of that cheesy sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, just long enough so everything is piping hot and infused with flavor. Taste and adjust for seasoning if needed. That’s it—your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Garnishes
A generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley take Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne from delicious to downright irresistible. For extra flair, add a crack of black pepper or a pinch more red pepper flakes if you’re craving some heat. Serve straight from the skillet for a cozy family meal, or plate up for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a crisp green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. Roasted asparagus or simple sautéed green beans make for tasty, colorful additions alongside your creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne in a big pasta bowl, garnished with a swirl of extra cream and a few ribbons of Parmesan. Or, serve individual portions in shallow pasta plates for an elevated restaurant look. For a festive family dinner, let everyone build their own bowls, topping with extra broccoli, Parmesan, or even roasted cherry tomatoes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or a second cozy weeknight dinner.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the dish, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Creamy sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, but a gentle reheat and a splash of extra cream can revive the luscious texture. Use within 2 months for best flavor and quality.
Reheating
Warm leftover Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a touch of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed, and stir occasionally until everything is evenly heated through. Top with fresh Parmesan just before serving to freshen it up!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne gives a wonderful bite and holds the sauce well, fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle would also work beautifully in Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne.
What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?
You can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. Just note that the sauce will be less thick and rich, but still satisfyingly creamy!
Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach with the broccoli. It’s a great way to customize Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne to suit your cravings or use up what’s in your fridge.
Is rotisserie chicken okay to use instead of cooking chicken breast?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred or chop cooked rotisserie chicken and stir it in with the pasta and broccoli at the end—super simple and still delicious.
Can I prepare this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne ahead for a party?
You can absolutely make it a few hours ahead, then gently reheat before serving. For best results, undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy, and stir in a splash of cream when reheating to keep everything silky.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy dinner that brings a little comfort and a lot of flavor, Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the answer. With just one skillet and a handful of well-loved ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels both special and effortlessly doable. Gather your ingredients and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and comforting Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, a delightful one-pot dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente penne pasta coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce create a satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Broccoli:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Sauce:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook penne. Add broccoli in the last 2–3 minutes. Drain.
- Cook the Chicken: Brown chicken in olive oil until cooked. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, basil, and red pepper. Add broth and cream. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Add chicken, penne, and broccoli. Simmer.
- Serve: Top with Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
