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Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

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Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting and delicious pasta dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, velvety sauce. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite. With a balance of protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness, this dish is both satisfying and simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
  • One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup with everything cooked in a single pan.
  • Creamy and Comforting – A rich, cheesy sauce coats every bite.
  • Nutritious – Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli.
  • Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Penne pasta
  • Chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
  • Fresh broccoli florets
  • Butter
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • Salt and black pepper

Directions

this recipe
  1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli – Boil penne pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Chicken – In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce – In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for a few minutes.
  4. Melt the Cheese – Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, whisking until smooth. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Combine Everything – Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the pan, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
  6. Serve – Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Lightened-Up Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Extra Veggies – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta.
  • Different Protein – Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just add it directly to the boiling pasta water a couple of minutes before draining.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Penne is ideal, but rigatoni, farfalle, or fettuccine also work well.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use low heat when adding the cream and cheese, stirring constantly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but the sauce thickens as it sits. Add a bit of liquid when reheating.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken.

How do I make this more flavorful?

Use fresh garlic, quality Parmesan, and a splash of white wine in the sauce.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy goodness.

Can I make it without cheese?

Yes, but it won’t be as creamy. You can use a dairy-free alternative if needed.

How do I make the chicken extra juicy?

Sear it over medium-high heat and let it rest before slicing.

Conclusion

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a simple yet satisfying meal that brings together rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress, this creamy pasta is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal in no time!

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Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
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Description

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a rich, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a silky garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pasta & Chicken:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups broccoli florets

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese

 

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions.
  2. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.
  3. Drain pasta and broccoli, then set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
  3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux.
  3. Slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

4. Combine Everything:

  1. Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
  2. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to heat everything through.

5. Serve & Garnish:

  1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy!

 

Notes

  • Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce Parmesan to 1 cup.
  • Extra Flavor: Add crushed red pepper flakes or lemon zest for a zingy touch.
  • Protein Swaps: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

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