Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe is your new best friend. This meal perfectly balances tender chunks of chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and al dente penne pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce that’s loaded with Parmesan cheese and subtle Italian herbs. It’s comfort food elevated with fresh ingredients and simple techniques, making it a wonderful weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to whip up something hearty and satisfying, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient for this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe plays a vital role in bringing together flavors and textures that sing. From the earthy broccoli adding a vibrant pop of green to the creamy sauce making every forkful incredibly luscious, these simple pantry staples come together to make an unforgettable dish.

• 12 oz penne pasta: Provides the perfect pasta shape that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds freshness, color, and a satisfying crunch.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic, infusing the dish with rich flavor.
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced: The protein that makes this a complete and filling meal.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a fragrant depth that elevates every bite.
• 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy base that makes the dish truly indulgent.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty punch and helps thicken the sauce magnificently.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Blends oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic Italian flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Just a hint of smoky warmth to round out the taste.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal finish and a lovely pop of color.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic cloves. Rinse the broccoli and cut it into small florets to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Measure out all your other ingredients so everything’s ready to go, making the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—tender but still with a bit of bite—usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and cooked through, usually about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last minute to release its wonderful aroma without burning.

Step 4: Steam the Broccoli

While the chicken cooks, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they’re just tender and bright green, about 3-4 minutes. You want them to have a little snap so they provide a delightful texture contrast in the finished dish. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir gently, allowing the cream to warm up and mingle with the seasonings. Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and thickens the sauce to a silky consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce

Add the cooked penne pasta and steamed broccoli to the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece of pasta and broccoli is well-coated in the luscious sauce. Let it all heat through for a minute or two so the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe with fresh herbs like chopped parsley instantly brightens the dish and adds a lovely freshness that balances the richness of the cream sauce. You can also sprinkle a touch more Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy kick.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the creaminess and adds a refreshing crunch. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are perfect companions, great for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta in a wide, shallow bowl, arranging the broccoli florets and chicken pieces on top for a rustic yet elegant look. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of freshly cracked black pepper make the dish look restaurant-worthy without any fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop with time, making it a delicious second-day meal.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this dish if needed by placing it in a freezer-safe container and consuming it within 1-2 months. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce. Adding a splash of milk or cream while warming can help restore its silky texture, making your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe taste just as fresh as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal because its shape holds the creamy sauce well, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle based on your preference.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of Parmesan to keep it creamy and flavorful.

How do I make sure the chicken stays tender?

Cooking the chicken over medium heat just until cooked through prevents it from drying out. Dicing it into small, uniform pieces also helps it cook evenly and quickly.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes would all complement the flavors beautifully and add extra nutrients and color.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the pasta?

Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or water, stirring occasionally to redistribute the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend trying this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe enough—it’s an absolute joy to prepare and even more delightful to eat. With its comforting creaminess balanced by fresh broccoli and tender chicken, it will quickly become a go-to meal for busy nights or whenever you want a delicious home-cooked dish with minimal fuss. Give it a whirl and get ready to savor every single bite!

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.1 from 82 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting and delicious pasta dish combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet balanced.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Vegetables

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Protein

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

Sauce and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the broccoli: During the last 3-4 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to blanch them. Drain broccoli with pasta and set aside.
3. Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning during cooking.
4. Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Make the cream sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine pasta, broccoli, and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the cream sauce and chicken. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and allow to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, if using, before serving hot.

Notes

• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
• For extra veggies, add sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes while sautéing the chicken.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American