Why You’ll Love Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne dish has everything you need for a satisfying meal—creamy sauce, tender chicken, and nutrient-packed broccoli. The combination of the garlic, cream, and Parmesan creates a luxurious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, while the broccoli adds a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast. The chicken makes this dish a complete meal, packed with protein, and it’s all made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish that is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
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3 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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12 oz penne pasta
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½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
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¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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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.
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Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let the broth reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
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Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the skillet, stirring to combine. Then, add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce, and the broccoli and chicken are evenly distributed.
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Serve: Once everything is well combined, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
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Calories per Serving: 550 kcal
Variations
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Add more vegetables: You can add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Use whole wheat pasta: For a healthier twist, substitute regular penne with whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
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Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the dish a little heat.
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Dairy-free version: Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free and dairy-free version.
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Add bacon: For extra flavor, consider adding crispy bacon bits to the dish for a savory crunch.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to steam or blanch it before adding it to the dish to ensure it’s cooked properly.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, farfalle, or spaghetti.
3. Can I make this recipe without chicken?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
4. Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk or half-and-half, but the sauce may not be as rich or creamy as with heavy cream. To thicken it, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with water.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat it gently, adding a little extra liquid to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
6. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can reduce the cream for a few more minutes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water (about 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).
7. Can I freeze this dish?
While this dish can technically be frozen, pasta dishes with creamy sauces can sometimes separate when reheated. If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container and reheat it gently over low heat, adding a little milk or broth to bring the sauce back together.
8. How can I make the sauce more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also elevate the taste.
9. Can I use grilled chicken instead of pan-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use grilled chicken for a smokier flavor. Just slice it into pieces and add it to the dish with the broccoli.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free penne and ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free (such as checking that the broth is gluten-free).
Conclusion
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, this dish is a complete meal in one pan. It’s quick and easy to make, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Try this recipe and enjoy the comfort of creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
A creamy and comforting pasta dish with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luscious Alfredo-style sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a family meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Steam the Broccoli: In a separate pot, steam the broccoli florets until tender (about 4-5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic powder and onion powder, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and penne pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if using) and fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can swap the broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or peas if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, you can add more Parmesan or a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
