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:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.
- Drain pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux.
- Slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
- 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:
- Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Cook for 1-2 more minutes to heat everything through.
5. Serve & Garnish:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- 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.