If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight, the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender penne pasta and succulent chicken with vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s enriched with Parmesan cheese and herbs. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that come together quickly but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and elegance to the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe, you’ll rely on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play their part perfectly. From the al dente penne providing a satisfying bite to the tender chicken adding heartiness, every element contributes to the dish’s irresistible richness and vibrant color.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Choose penne for its shape that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a pop of green and a pleasant, slight crunch to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic, infusing a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced: Provides protein and a tender texture that soaks up the sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings aromatic depth and a touch of spice.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety base of the sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor that melts into the cream.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a gentle smoky hint and a hint of color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds freshness and a vibrant finish.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the pasta and broccoli
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same water to slightly soften them while retaining their bright green color and crisp-tender texture. Drain both together and set aside, saving a little pasta water for later.
Step 2: Cook the chicken and garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and half the Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic during the last minute to become fragrant without burning.
Step 3: Make the creamy sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Sprinkle in the remaining Italian seasoning and stir to combine. Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth and luscious. If the sauce feels too thick, use a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 4: Combine pasta, broccoli, and sauce
Add the drained penne pasta and broccoli florets into the skillet with the creamy sauce and chicken. Gently toss to coat everything evenly, allowing the flavors to meld together over a minute or two. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top of the finished dish adds a burst of color and a fresh, slightly peppery note that cuts through the creaminess beautifully. You can also add an extra dusting of Parmesan to enhance the cheesy indulgence. For a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or a few red pepper flakes can be delightful additions.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe stands wonderfully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the colorful broccoli and creamy sauce draped over the chicken and penne. For a charming presentation, you can divide the dish into mason jars for a grab-and-go meal or individual baking dishes topped with extra cheese, then broiled briefly for a golden crust. These little touches make any meal feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is rich, it’s best to gently reheat it to avoid separation. Adding a splash of cream or milk during reheating helps restore that smooth texture.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though the broccoli’s texture may soften further after thawing. To freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly on the stove or in the microwave with extra cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat the creamy pasta over medium-low heat stirring often to prevent sticking and to restore its silky texture. If using a microwave, heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, and add a bit of cream or milk if it looks dry. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from curdling and the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor, though they take slightly longer to cook. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure they are fully cooked before adding the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, but the flavor and texture will be different. The dish will still be delicious but less rich and cheesy.
Can I add other vegetables to this penne?
Yes! Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes work wonderfully. Add them when cooking the chicken to build layers of flavor and texture in your dish.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne is perfect because its tube shape holds the creamy sauce well, but you can also use rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle depending on your preference or pantry supply.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it gently to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, cooking until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion without the fuss. The way the creamy sauce wraps around tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta is just pure comfort. I can’t wait for you to whip this up and enjoy all the heartwarming flavors — it truly makes weeknights shine a little brighter.
Print
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting and delicious pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast and vibrant broccoli florets in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients and easy steps to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 4 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top if using. Serve warm for a comforting and flavorful dish.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich and creamy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
- If you prefer, use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
