If you’re in the mood for a comforting, wholesome meal that tastes like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe. It blends tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. This dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both elegant and deeply satisfying, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without fuss. Get ready to fall in love with a meal that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe proves that uncomplicated ingredients can produce incredible results. Each component plays a crucial role—from the juicy chicken providing protein and heartiness, to the broccoli adding a fresh crunch and vibrant color, and the Parmesan cheese delivering that irresistible savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing chicken and veggies without overpowering their flavors.
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced: Tender and versatile, it cooks quickly and soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a healthy, crisp texture and bright green color to the dish.
- 1 pound penne pasta: Its ridges and hollow shape hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Injects a fragrant, savory punch that enhances every bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to making the sauce irresistibly rich and silky-smooth.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness with a light, savory base for the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and that classic Italian flair to the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates the natural flavors of the ingredients without overwhelming them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle, warming spice to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who like a little kick.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Finishes the dish with a velvety smooth richness that ties everything together.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook it until it’s just browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. This simple step builds a beautiful base of flavor and texture, giving the chicken juicy tenderness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Soften the Broccoli
Remove the chicken and set it aside. Using the same skillet means you get all those tasty browned bits left behind. Add the broccoli florets and sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they just begin to get tender yet still maintain a delightful crunch. The broccoli’s fresh, green vibrancy will brighten up the entire dish.
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic with the broccoli and cook for another minute. The garlic fragrance will fill your kitchen, awakening your appetite as it gently cooks, releasing its warm, earthy aroma without becoming bitter.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, blending the ingredients smoothly. The combination simmers gently over medium heat for about 5 minutes, thickening just enough to coat the pasta and chicken with a luscious creaminess that begs to be savored.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Season
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt completely, which enriches the sauce with its nutty, savory character. Then season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a hint of warmth. Each seasoning enhances the flavor layers, making this sauce rich but balanced.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, mixing it thoroughly into the sauce so every bite has tender chicken coated in creamy goodness. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain it, reserving a bit of pasta water. Toss the penne in the skillet with the sauce and chicken, adding pasta water to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Finally, stir in butter to give the dish that silky finish.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy flourish or add a handful of fresh chopped parsley to brighten the plate with color and freshness. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or additional red pepper flakes can update the flavor with a subtle heat boost.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or some garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables or a fresh tomato salad can provide a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic look, serve this dish straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh herbs. Or, for a more elegant presentation, plate the pasta neatly twirled in shallow bowls and top with small broccoli florets and a Parmesan crisp. Offering lemon wedges on the side adds a surprising splash of brightness that lovely complements the creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy broccoli and chicken penne in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish again without fuss.
Freezing
Because of the cream sauce, freezing is a bit tricky but still doable. Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. The texture might change slightly once thawed, but the flavors will still shine through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid microwaving for extended periods, which could cause the sauce to separate or the pasta to become mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle according to your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and increase the broccoli or add mushrooms for extra texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that enhances the flavors without overpowering the creaminess. You can adjust or omit them based on your spice tolerance.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can try using half-and-half or whole milk, but be aware the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. Adding a little flour or cornstarch can help thicken the sauce if you use lighter dairy.
What is the best way to dice chicken for this dish?
Cut the chicken into bite-sized, evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly and fit comfortably with the pasta and broccoli, creating a harmonious bite every time.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe is a deliciously comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers hearty flavors, beautiful texture, and that perfect touch of creaminess every time. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to dinner favorite.
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Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy broccoli and chicken penne is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe balances protein, vegetables, and indulgent creaminess with easy-to-follow steps for a delicious homemade meal.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
- Sauté broccoli: In the same skillet, add 2 cups of broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add garlic: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the broccoli and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add cream and broth: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine the ingredients.
- Simmer sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 2 more minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season sauce: Add 1/4 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring well to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Return chicken to skillet: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, mixing it thoroughly into the sauce to ensure even coating.
- Cook pasta: In a separate large pot, cook 1 pound of penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained penne to the skillet with the sauce and chicken, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Adjust sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.
- Finish with butter: Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt into the sauce for added richness.
- Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli and chicken penne hot, optionally garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh for a juicier texture.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and maintain creaminess.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor at the end.
