Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne will become your new go-to dinner recipe:
- Comforting and Satisfying – The creamy sauce with garlic and Parmesan adds a richness that pairs perfectly with the chicken and broccoli.
- Quick and Easy – Despite the indulgent flavors, this dish is quick to make, with a total time of only 45 minutes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish holds up well for leftovers, making it a great option for lunch the next day.
- Customizable – You can add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to boost the flavor even further.
- Family-Friendly – The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta is something everyone will enjoy.
Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a special family dinner, this dish is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 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
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast and cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add 2 cups of broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook 1 pound of penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken, stirring to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to finish the dish, allowing it to melt and enrich the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli and chicken penne hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Rest Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
This dish comes together quickly and is perfect for a hearty, comforting dinner in under an hour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but the sauce may separate a bit.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet.
2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice for this dish, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
3. Can I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative. You can also reduce the amount of butter or omit it entirely.
4. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
5. Can I use store-bought chicken broth?
Yes, store-bought chicken broth works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to choose a low-sodium variety if you’re watching your salt intake.
6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the creamy sauce and cook the chicken in advance, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh to maintain its texture. Assemble and reheat everything when you’re ready to serve.
7. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.
8. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Make sure to stir in the Parmesan cheese gradually and keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. Avoid bringing it to a full boil, as this can cause the cream to separate.
9. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses like gouda, cheddar, or feta to change the flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
10. How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of nutmeg, or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the perfect combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich, velvety cream sauce that coats the pasta to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or entertaining guests. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, adds depth and richness to the entire dish. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne: A Cozy, Satisfying Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting, savory dish made with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and penne pasta, all enveloped in a velvety cream sauce. The addition of garlic and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, diced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 pound penne pasta
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
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast and cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add 2 cups of broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook 1 pound of penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken, stirring to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to finish the dish, allowing it to melt and enrich the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli and chicken penne hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peas for added flavor and nutrition.
This dish can be made vegetarian by swapping the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas and using vegetable broth.
If you want a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
For a richer flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
