If you’ve ever craved a comforting pasta dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce loaded with savory Parmesan cheese and just the right touch of garlic and spices. It’s wonderfully rich without being heavy, brightened by the fresh green broccoli, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe proves weeknight dinners can be deliciously simple yet fancy enough to impress anyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and pack a ton of flavor. Each component plays a key role, from the juicy chicken providing protein, to the broccoli adding a vibrant crunch and nutrition, with pasta acting as the comforting canvas for all those creamy, cheesy notes.
- Olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and broccoli, it adds a subtle richness and helps achieve that perfect golden sear.
- Diced chicken breast: The star protein that becomes tender and flavorful through simple sautéing.
- Broccoli florets: These bring a fresh, crisp element and beautiful green color that balances the creaminess.
- Penne pasta: Perfect for holding onto the sauce with its ridged surface and tube shape.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with a lovely aromatic base that ties all the flavors together.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, silky sauce that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and a slight savory note, lightening the cream just enough.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding sharp, nutty flavor and an extra creamy texture.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and pungency that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a slight kick, sprinkle in a few.
- Butter: Stirred in at the end for additional richness and a glossy finish to the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken breast and let it cook undisturbed for most of the time to get a lovely golden crust, stirring occasionally until it’s cooked through and slightly browned. This adds amazing flavor and texture to your creamy penne.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, add your fresh broccoli florets. Sauté them for a few minutes until they begin to soften but still have a nice bite. This quick cooking keeps the broccoli vibrant and perfectly tender.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Prepare the Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic with the broccoli and cook for about one minute, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for around five minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This is where all those flavors meld into that creamy, dreamy base you’re craving.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for a couple more minutes. As the cheese melts, it will create a beautifully smooth and cheesy sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and if you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes too. Stir well to blend all the seasonings.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet to coat it in that rich sauce. Meanwhile, cook your penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, saving a bit of the pasta water, then add the pasta to the skillet with sauce and chicken.
Step 7: Final Touches
If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it up perfectly. Finally, stir in a tablespoon of butter to add a glossy richness that will make this dish absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan over the top for a lovely finishing touch. A scattering of fresh chopped parsley or basil can also add brightness and a pop of color that elevates the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the creamy broccoli and chicken penne in individual shallow bowls for an inviting meal. For a fun twist, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for a subtle crunch, or drizzle with a little chili oil if you want to kick up the flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal that’s just as satisfying.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, although the texture of the broccoli may soften. Pack into freezer-safe containers and use within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to regain that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, farfalle, rigatoni, or even fusilli would work wonderfully too—just choose your favorite pasta shape.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep a cheesy flavor.
Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and broccoli separately, then combine everything just before serving. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prepare parts to save time.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat. You can adjust the amount or omit it entirely based on your spice preference.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely—mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be great additions. Just sauté them along with the broccoli for extra color and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe enough for anyone looking to whip up a meal that’s cozy, flavorful, and feels a little special without a ton of effort. It’s one of those dishes that turns into a family favorite in no time thanks to its delightful balance of textures and flavors. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again.
Print
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delicious and creamy broccoli and chicken penne pasta dish featuring tender sautéed chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This comforting meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside to be added back later.
- Sauté Broccoli: In the same skillet, add 2 cups of broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Garlic: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the broccoli and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth, stirring to combine the ingredients.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring until the cheese fully melts into the sauce.
- Season Sauce: Season the sauce with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional), stirring to incorporate evenly.
- Add Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce to coat evenly.
- Cook Pasta: While preparing the sauce, cook 1 pound of penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions; then drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken, stirring thoroughly to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the desired creaminess is reached.
- Add Butter: Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to finish the dish, allowing it to melt and enrich the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli and chicken penne hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For added spice, increase or omit red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency easily.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and creamy texture.
- Can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for a juicier texture.
- Broccoli can be steamed slightly before sautéing for a softer texture if preferred.
