Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne

Ah, my friend, let me take you on a culinary journey that brings together the comforting embrace of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli. This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne has a special place in my heart—it’s one of those dishes that reminds me of cozy family dinners, where the laughter flows as smoothly as the sauce. I can just picture the scene: a bustling kitchen, a pot bubbling, and the irresistible aroma wafting through the air. What makes it even more delightful is its simplicity, with ingredients that are likely already dancing around your pantry.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s chat about why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table tonight. First off, it’s a one-pot wonder—a surefire way to keep cleanup to a minimum while still making something utterly satisfying. You’ll love how the penne pasta soaks up the creamy, garlicky goodness that envelopes the chicken and broccoli. The balance of richness from the heavy cream and the earthy flavor of garlic creates a sauce that feels indulgent, yet you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up after a long day.

Moreover, this recipe isn’t just about taste; it’s about health, too. The broccoli adds a nourishing crunch and brings a splash of color to your plate, while the chicken breast is a lean protein that keeps you fueled. My secret? Toss in a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a bouquet of flavors that awakens your taste buds. It’s a meal that feels like a hug from the inside out, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s set the stage with what you’ll need for this culinary creation:

• 12 oz penne pasta: The classic choice! It holds that creamy sauce like a pro, giving you the perfect bite in every forkful.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh and vibrant, these add not just nutrition but also that pop of green we all adore.
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: The protein star of the show—it cooks up tender and juicy.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This golden liquid is what we’ll use to sauté; it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Ah, garlic—the aromatic wizard that transforms the mundane into the magical.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The star of our creamy sauce. If you’re feeling lighter, half-and-half is a brilliant substitute without sacrificing too much richness.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This cheesy goodness brings that umami explosion. Go wild with it!
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning, because we want to sing with flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): It’s like a little sprinkle of magic—you can totally skip it, but why would you?
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): The finishing touch! Just a bit of greenery to make it all pop.

Preparing Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne

Let’s dive into the heart of the execution where the real magic happens.

1. Boil the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne and cook as per package instructions until it’s al dente—about 9-11 minutes usually works. But here’s a pro tip: in the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in those lovely broccoli florets. This makes sure they’re done to perfection—just tender enough without losing that vibrant crunch. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the chicken: While your pasta does its thing, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts—salt and pepper are your best friends here! Sear those beauties for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and no longer pink in the center. Once done, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

3. Build the sauce: In that same skillet, let the magic continue! Add in your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until lovely and fragrant. Next, pour in that heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer—for an extra touch, you could even add a splash of the starchy pasta water here to help bind everything later.

4. Cheesy goodness: Stir in your grated Parmesan cheese slowly, letting it melt into that dreamy sauce. Season with more salt and pepper to taste, and, if you’re using it, add that Italian seasoning.

5. Combine everything: Add your drained penne and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure every piece is coated in that creamy goodness. Toss in your sliced chicken, give it all a final stir, and taste one last time. Adjust your seasoning if needed.

6. Serve and garnish: Serve hot on plates, sprinkled with fresh parsley for that pop of color.

Best way to enjoy it

Now that your dish is beautifully plated, how can you elevate the experience? Pair it with a simple side salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice to cut through the richness. Crusty garlic bread on the side would be heavenly, soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate. And a glass of white wine, perhaps a Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio, can truly elevate your meal.

Storage and reheating tips

Let’s talk leftovers—the unsung heroes of the cooking world! You can store any extra Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, when reheating, do it gently to avoid the cream sauce breaking. A splash of milk or water while reheating can help bring it back to life if it looks a little thick.

If you want to get ahead of the game, you can also freeze this pasta delight. Just make sure to leave out any fresh parsley garnish until you’re serving it later on. Reheat wonderfully in a skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Helpful cooking tips

Before you dash off to the kitchen, here are some insider secrets:

1. Don’t rush the chicken: Cooking it at medium heat ensures it stays juicy. No one likes dry chicken!
2. Taste as you go: Seriously, don’t be shy—seasoning is totally a personal game, and your taste buds will guide you.
3. Cheese makes everything better: Go for freshly grated Parmesan over the pre-grated kind—it melts in beautifully!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ideas to mix things up:

• Add a protein punch: Swap out the chicken for shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian delight.
• Change the greens: Spinach or asparagus work beautifully if broccoli isn’t your jam.
• Spice it up: Toss in red pepper flakes for some heat or squeeze in a bit of lemon juice at the end for brightness.

Ingredients list

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked. Remove and let rest.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if desired.
6. Add the drained penne and broccoli, tossing to coat. Add sliced chicken back into the skillet.
7. Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Your questions answered

1. How long does this dish take to prepare?
   About 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a weeknight meal!

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Just omit the chicken and add other veggies or even beans for protein.

3. What can I serve alongside this pasta?
   A light salad or garlic bread works wonders!

4. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or milk to keep it creamy.

5. Can I freeze this dish?
   Yes, it freezes well! Just leave out the parsley until ready to serve.

I hope you’re now inspired and excited to whip up this creamy masterpiece! It’s a dish that’s not just about filling your belly; it’s about enjoying the journey of cooking, sharing, and that joyful moment when you take the first bite. Happy cooking, my friend! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, and don’t forget to sprinkle your own creativity into it!

Print Recipe

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Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy Non Vegetarian W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Cooking Temp: medium  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 550

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce wrapped around perfectly cooked penne pasta, making it a delightful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets (Fresh)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Boil the Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli. Drain and set aside.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook the Chicken

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked. Remove and let rest.
   Mark as complete

3. Build the Sauce

   In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if desired.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine Everything

   Add the drained penne and broccoli, tossing to coat. Add sliced chicken back into the skillet. Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 550kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 30g47%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 110mg37%

Sodium 500mg21%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 2g

Protein 40g80%

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Vitamin A 800 IU

Vitamin C 60 mg

Calcium 350 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 50 mcg

Thiamin 0.4 mg

Riboflavin 0.5 mg

Niacin 12 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 50 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Great for weeknight meals and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Pasta, Chicken, Broccoli, Creamy, One Pot