If you are looking for a comforting, wholesome dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all cloaked in a luscious sauce, then this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to whip up. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe is a breeze since each component plays an important role in building its rich flavor, vibrant color, and silky texture. You’ll be amazed how these simple staples come together to create something truly special.
- Chicken breast: Lean and tender, it’s the hearty protein that makes this dish filling and satisfying.
- Penne pasta: The perfect tube-shaped pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp bite and vibrant green color that brightens the plate.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its smooth, decadent texture that makes every bite comforting.
- Parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty flavor that melts into the cream, elevating the dish’s richness.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a touch of warmth.
- Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables, adding subtle fruity notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Butter: Contributes to a silky sauce base and adds richness.
- Italian seasoning: A delightful blend of herbs that brings a lovely Mediterranean flair.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water in a large pot and cook the penne pasta until it’s perfectly al dente — tender yet slightly firm to the bite. Be sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, as it will come in handy later to adjust your sauce consistency.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place them in the hot skillet and sear until they develop a golden crust and are fully cooked through. Set the chicken aside to rest briefly — this keeps it juicy.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli
In the same skillet, toss in the broccoli florets to sauté until they turn a vibrant green and become tender but still retain a slight crispness. This step enhances their flavor and texture, balancing perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Lower the heat slightly and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant to avoid any bitterness. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it gently to a simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cook the sauce until it thickens slightly, then taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the broccoli and drained penne pasta. Toss everything together so the penne is luxuriously coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it up by stirring in some of the reserved pasta water. Warm everything together briefly, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe that extra wow factor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top. Some extra grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes can also lift the dish further, adding color and a little kick of flavor that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some crunchy garlic bread makes the meal even more memorable. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a simple cucumber salad also work beautifully as refreshing accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve this creamy pasta in individual shallow bowls and place the chicken slices on top in a fanned-out pattern. Adding a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can create delightful texture contrasts and elevate the look to restaurant-quality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. This ensures the flavors stay fresh and the creamy texture remains intact.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture of the broccoli might soften a bit after freezing, but reheating will still yield a delicious meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s silky consistency. Avoid using the microwave directly as it can make the chicken a little dry and the sauce clumpy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully to hold the sauce, you can try rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add extra broccoli or other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. To keep it satisfying, you might also add chickpeas or a plant-based protein.
How can I make the sauce lighter?
To lighten up the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe without sacrificing flavor, try swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. Just be sure to heat gently to avoid curdling.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Fresh herbs work great too if you have them on hand.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, quickly sauté broccoli and prepare the sauce, then combine everything to keep the dish tasting fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its balance of textures, fresh ingredients, and creamy comfort makes it an instant favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it fits into your meal rotation—happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and creamy broccoli and chicken penne recipe that combines tender sautéed chicken, crisp broccoli, and al dente penne pasta all tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 2 chicken breasts
Pasta & Vegetables
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium low. Add butter to the skillet and melt it. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet with the cream sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and gently toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Heat the combined dish briefly to warm through, then serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best results and flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli so it retains a pleasant crunch.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- To lighten the dish, substitute half and half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
