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!
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)
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.
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.
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-broccoli-and-chicken-penne/