Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

If you love dishes that combine comfort, nutrition, and a touch of indulgence, then this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Bursting with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and a rich, cheesy sauce all twirled with perfectly cooked penne pasta, it’s the kind of dish that warms both your heart and your palate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, this recipe strikes a delightful balance between wholesome ingredients and crave-worthy creaminess.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a dish full of flavor, texture, and beautiful color. Each component plays an important role, from the al dente penne to the bright, tender broccoli and the savory, juicy chicken in a luscious sauce.

• 1 pound penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity undertone and helps brown the chicken nicely.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender protein that soaks up all the flavors.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate every ingredient.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and savory warmth.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic Mediterranean flair.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Bright green and crisp-tender for texture and nutrition.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety base of the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Balances the creaminess with savory notes and thins the sauce slightly.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty goodness that melts right in.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick that livens up the dish if you like a little heat.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish: A fresh, herbaceous finishing touch that brightens the plate.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by boiling your penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s perfectly al dente. This means the pasta should be cooked through but still maintain a slight firmness to the bite, giving the dish a wonderful texture contrast. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining — it’s pure gold for adjusting the sauce later!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Next, heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until each piece develops a gorgeous golden crust and is cooked through. This step locks in flavor and gives a lovely texture to the chicken. Once done, set the chicken aside – it’s almost time to bring it all together.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Italian Seasoning

Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning. Sauté everything for a minute or so until the garlic releases its heavenly aroma and the herbs bloom in the heat. This little step builds a flavorful foundation that will infuse the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Toss in the broccoli florets and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is to have them bright green and tender-crisp — not mushy — so they bring a wonderful crunch and vibrant color to every forkful.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream along with the chicken broth. Stir gently and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. This will start to thicken the sauce and meld the flavors together in that dreamy way only cream can achieve.

Step 6: Add the Parmesan Cheese

Now sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until it melts smoothly into the sauce. The cheese adds depth and a perfectly savory layer that makes the dish irresistibly luscious.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the browned chicken pieces to your skillet. Nestle them gently into the creamy broccoli sauce to reheat and soak up all those rich flavors. This is where the magic truly begins to unfold.

Step 8: Mix in the Penne Pasta

It’s time to reunite the pasta with the sauce. Add your cooked penne to the skillet and toss everything together so each piece is coated in that luxuriously creamy mixture. If the sauce feels too thick, drizzle in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the perfect consistency that clings delightfully to each noodle.

Step 9: Final Seasoning Touches

Adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, and if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes for some subtle heat. Taste as you go to achieve that lovely balance that excites your taste buds.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Finish everything off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a beautiful splash of green that makes the dish pop on the plate. Serve it hot and watch everyone dig in with joy!

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

Garnishes

While the fresh parsley is an obvious choice, consider topping the dish with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil to elevate both flavor and appearance. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the cream sauce beautifully when serving.

Side Dishes

This dish stands wonderfully on its own but pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a more indulgent meal. Steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans also complement the creamy richness without competing for attention.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta family-style in a large shallow bowl to encourage sharing and conversation, or individually plate with a sprig of parsley and a small wedge of lemon on the side. For a festive touch, add roasted cherry tomatoes or toasted pine nuts on top for extra texture and flavor contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more in the fridge, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of broccoli can change slightly after freezing, but reheating with a splash of cream or broth can help refresh the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a little chicken broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave leftovers covered for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and tender.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make it gluten-free, swap out the penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk or cashew cream can work with a slightly different flavor profile.

How spicy is the dish with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely depending on your spice preference.

Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes can all be wonderful additions that complement the creamy broccoli and chicken beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe truly hits all the right notes — creamy, comforting, colorful, and packed with flavor. It’s a dish that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for weeknights or casual dinner parties alike. I can’t recommend it enough, so grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let this recipe bring a little joy and warmth to your table tonight.

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