Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

If there’s ever a dish that delivers weeknight comfort with just the right balance of indulgence and freshness, it’s the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne. Tender chicken mingles with vibrant green broccoli, and every piece of pasta is lovingly coated in a rich, silky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s family-friendly and quick enough for a last-minute craving, yet so impressive it could easily steal the spotlight at a dinner party. This recipe proves how a handful of staple ingredients can come together in absolute harmony, creating a meal you’ll look forward to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish truly shines because of its simplicity, letting each ingredient really pop. A little prep and a few basics from your pantry—and you’re on your way to a Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne that always tastes greater than the sum of its parts.

• Penne pasta: The ridges of penne catch the luscious sauce and ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
• Olive oil: Just a touch helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
• Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless for easy, tender bites that cook up quickly.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen both work—adding gorgeous color and a lovely, just-tender crunch.
• Garlic: A few cloves add a fragrant depth that makes the cream sauce sing.
• Heavy cream: This is the velvety backbone of your sauce, making everything delightfully rich.
• Chicken broth: Adds subtle savoriness while helping to tenderize the broccoli and lighten the cream just enough.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: If you have freshly grated, even better—it melts into the cream for the ultimate savory punch.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings fragrance and authentic Italian flair.
• Salt and pepper: Season to your taste; don’t skimp, as these simple staples round out all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top at the end, it adds fresh color and a finishing touch.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then toss in your penne. Cook until just al dente—the pasta should still have a nice bite, since it will finish cooking in the sauce. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper as they cook. Let them sizzle until lightly golden and just cooked through, about five to seven minutes. Transfer the chicken out of the pan and set aside; you’ll use the same skillet for the next step.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Pour the chicken broth right into your skillet and add the broccoli florets. Let them steam, covered, for about three minutes until they turn bright green and are just fork-tender. Don’t overcook—you want these beauties to retain a little bite and their gorgeous color.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Remove the broccoli and set it aside with the chicken. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and let it cook for a quick 30 seconds, just until fragrant (don’t let it brown!). Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, silky sauce that smells wildly inviting.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now, bring it all together! Add your drained pasta, sautéed chicken, and steamed broccoli into the luscious cream sauce. Toss everything gently until every piece is coated and mingling in creamy, cheesy goodness. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and shower your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a subtle herbal note. Serve immediately, while it’s still blissfully warm and creamy.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Garnishes

A generous flourish of freshly chopped parsley or basil brings brightness to the plate, while an extra dusting of Parmesan is always welcome for the cheese lovers at your table. Sometimes I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

Side Dishes

Pair your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread for sopping up every bit of sauce. If you’re feeling festive, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or an antipasto platter for an Italian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love serving this pasta in wide, shallow bowls, topped with extra grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. For kids or meal prep, scoop the pasta into individual ramekins and broil for a minute to create a golden crust—they’ll think it’s restaurant magic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any remaining Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers every bit as crave-worthy. Just be sure to cool everything to room temperature before sealing it up.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze some for later, let the pasta cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags (removing excess air prevents freezer burn). It will keep well for up to two months—let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream. Warm gently over low heat, stirring often to bring back that velvety sauce without overcooking the chicken or broccoli. Microwaving works too—just stop and stir every minute to ensure even heat.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne excels at soaking up the creamy sauce, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just aim for shapes with grooves or ridges for maximum sauce cling.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’d like to lighten things up, half-and-half or whole milk can work, though the sauce will be a bit thinner. You can also try a blend of Greek yogurt and milk for a tangy twist on the classic.

Can I make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne vegetarian?

Certainly! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might also try adding mushrooms or roasted peppers for extra flavor and heartiness.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries—you can mix your own using equal parts dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary or marjoram. Even just some dried oregano and basil will give your pasta plenty of Italian character.

How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?

If your sauce tightens up, add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water or a bit more broth as you toss everything together. This little trick brings the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne back to perfect, glossy consistency.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t beat the cozy satisfaction of a dish like Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne—it’s creamy, colorful, and full of luscious flavor in every forkful. Make it once and you’ll see why it’s a personal favorite. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort to your table as it does to mine!

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