Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, get ready to fall in love with Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne. This dish brings together tender pasta, juicy bites of chicken, and vibrant broccoli, all coated in a silky Parmesan cream sauce that clings to every curve of the penne. With plenty of flavor, a satisfying texture, and approachable ingredients, it’s the sort of meal that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is how each straightforward ingredient pulls its weight in terms of flavor, texture, and that cozy, creamy vibe. Here’s what you’ll want to gather, plus a few tips to make every component really shine.

• Penne Pasta: Its tubular shape grabs just the right amount of creamy sauce in every bite.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for richer flavor when sautéing your chicken.
• Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless breasts cut into uniform pieces for even cooking and juicy texture.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli keeps its bright color and just-tender bite, adding a burst of green to the dish.
• Garlic: Minced garlic perfumes the cream and underscores the savory notes of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: This is your shortcut to ultra-silky, restaurant-worthy sauce at home.
• Chicken Broth: Steaming broccoli in broth infuses subtle depth and keeps it moist.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Go for fresh if possible—it melts best and gives that robust, nutty finish.
• Italian Seasoning: Just half a teaspoon brings a whole world of herbal aroma to the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Proper seasoning balances the creaminess and brightens every ingredient.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkle on top for a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Step 1: Boil the Penne

Start by cooking your penne pasta in a big pot of salted water until it’s just al dente—remember, a little bite makes all the difference once it’s tossed with the sauce! Drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water, just in case you want to loosen your sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let them sear until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm; those crispy, savory bits left behind add gorgeous flavor to your sauce.

Step 3: Steam Broccoli with Chicken Broth

Add the broccoli florets and chicken broth right into the same pan. Cover and steam the florets for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender but still vibrantly green. This extra step boosts flavor and preserves their perfect bite—no bland broccoli here!

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Remove the broccoli and return the pan to low heat. Add garlic to the pan and let it sizzle for just a minute—enough to get fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and stir; once it’s simmering, sprinkle in the Parmesan and let everything melt into the dreamiest, smoothest sauce you’ve ever tasted.

Step 5: Combine It All

Now the magic happens! Return the cooked penne, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently, letting the penne soak up all that creamy goodness while the chicken and broccoli nestle into every crevice.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and give everything a taste for seasoning. Scatter over chopped fresh parsley for a final flourish, then serve the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne warm, letting everyone dig in immediately for maximum satisfaction.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley wakes up the richness, and a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan gives just the right touch of salty, nutty brilliance. If you like a tiny bit of heat, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes right before serving!

Side Dishes

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is wonderfully hearty on its own, but it absolutely shines alongside a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or with garlicky roasted vegetables on the side. Don’t forget a basket of warm, crusty bread to help scoop up every drop of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style dinners, serve straight from the skillet for an inviting, rustic feel. Or, elevate your weeknight by swirling the pasta onto warmed plates and topping each with a tidy pile of chicken, a mound of broccoli, and a gorgeous drizzle of cream sauce. It’s also fun to tuck individual portions into oven-safe dishes, top with a sprinkle of Parmesan, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne keeps surprisingly well. Transfer any extras to an airtight container, and refrigerate promptly; it will stay delicious for up to three days. The sauce might thicken, but a splash of milk or broth brings it right back to creamy perfection when reheated.

Freezing

For make-ahead meals, you can freeze this pasta—just note that the cream sauce may separate a bit upon thawing. To minimize texture changes, let the pasta cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and reheat gently after thawing. It won’t compromise flavor, especially if you give everything a good stir and add a little more Parmesan when serving.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce seems thick. Stir occasionally until warmed through. In a pinch, the microwave works too; cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring often to keep everything even and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for catching sauce, shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or even fusilli work beautifully and give you a slightly different texture in each bite.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli is a great substitute in Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne when fresh isn’t available. Just steam it until tender, drain well to avoid soggy sauce, and proceed as usual.

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?

Definitely! If you’re in a rush, shredded rotisserie chicken can be stirred in at the end—just warm it in the sauce before tossing with pasta and broccoli for flavor cohesion.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you prefer something lighter, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though your sauce will be slightly thinner. For extra richness without dairy, consider full-fat coconut milk (just note the flavor will change a bit).

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can easily transform Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne into a vegetarian delight by omitting the chicken and swapping in extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for steaming the broccoli.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a meal as special as Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, then watching it disappear from plates with nothing but smiles all around. If you’re looking for a delicious new favorite, this is the one to make—easy, comforting, and downright irresistible. Give it a try and share the joy with your loved ones!

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