Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy broccoli and chicken penne is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that delivers on flavor, making it perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers. The ease of preparation and the ability to customize the ingredients make it suitable for all skill levels.

Ingredients

2 cups penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the penne until al dente, drain, and toss with a little olive oil.
Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli: Dice chicken breasts and steam the broccoli florets.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown, then remove from the skillet.
Steam the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add chicken broth and steam the broccoli for 3-4 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Sauté garlic in the skillet, add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let simmer until the sauce thickens.
Combine: Add chicken and broccoli back into the skillet, toss in pasta, and stir until coated with sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: Substitute chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Add-ins: Try sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli or rigatoni.

2. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red chili flakes to the sauce or mix in some hot sauce to your taste.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day before and reheat it when ready to serve.

4. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, replace the chicken with tofu or extra veggies for a satisfying vegetarian option.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

6. How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Ensure the heat is low and stir continuously when adding the cream and cheese.

7. Can I use low-fat cream?

Yes, you can substitute with low-fat cream, though the sauce may not be as rich.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it up.

9. What should I serve with this dish?

This creamy pasta pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.

Conclusion

Creamy broccoli and chicken penne is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family or hosting a dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make, one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a flavorful and balanced meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 45min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the penne until al dente, drain, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli: Dice the chicken breasts and steam the broccoli florets until tender.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until golden brown, then remove from the skillet.
Steam the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add chicken broth and steam the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until vibrant and tender.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Sauté garlic in the skillet, then add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir and let simmer until the sauce thickens.
Combine: Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back into the skillet, toss in the pasta, and stir until everything is coated with the creamy sauce.

Notes

Protein Swap: You can substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream and nutritional yeast as a substitute for Parmesan.
Add-ins: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for extra flavor and texture.