Dreamy Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe For Dinner

Nestled in my kitchen, this creamy broccoli and chicken penne has become a weeknight lifesaver.

Comfort meets nutrition in every delightful bite.

Pasta lovers appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal fuss.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Green florets and tender chicken pieces dance through velvety sauce, promising satisfaction.

Packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, this recipe delivers a balanced plate you’ll want to savor repeatedly.

Each forkful promises a delicious adventure that might just become your new favorite dinner solution.

How to Make Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Toss in penne pasta and cook according to package directions. During the final two minutes of cooking, drop broccoli florets into the boiling water. Drain both pasta and broccoli, then set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder

Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken turns golden brown and cooks completely. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle flour and whisk constantly for one minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring all ingredients get coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything thoroughly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve hot and savor the delicious meal!

Tips to Boost Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Customize Protein Choice: Swap chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu for variety and dietary needs.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk the roux and dairy ingredients slowly and steadily to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps.
• Amp Up Vegetable Nutrition: Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the last cooking stage for increased nutrients and color.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference – use less for mild or more for a spicier kick.
• Meal Prep Hack: Store leftover pasta in airtight containers for 3-4 days, reheating gently with a splash of broth to maintain sauce texture.

Storing Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• This creamy pasta dish doesn't freeze well due to potential sauce separation and texture changes when thawed.

Sides That Go with Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Select a crisp Chardonnay with subtle oak undertones to complement the creamy sauce and balance the dish's richness.
• Pour a cold, light craft wheat beer that cuts through the sauce's creaminess and enhances the chicken's savory notes.
• Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette that provides a tangy contrast to the pasta's smooth texture and adds fresh, peppery brightness.
• Serve warm garlic focaccia to soak up extra sauce and add a delightful herbal crunch that elevates the overall dining experience.

All About Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Perfect weeknight dinner that requires minimal cooking skills and comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Single-skillet recipe reduces cleanup time, making it ideal for busy families or individuals seeking hassle-free cooking.
• Combines lean chicken and nutritious broccoli, delivering a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
• Easy to adapt with alternative vegetables, proteins, or spice levels, allowing personalization based on individual preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Use for Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish, best when boneless and skinless.

• Penne Pasta, Broccoli Florets: Hearty base that provides texture and nutritional balance, choose whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.

• Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Butter: Creates a smooth base for the creamy sauce, European-style butter has richer flavor.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic quality, fresh garlic is more flavorful than pre-minced.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and enhances overall flavor, low-sodium preferred.
• Heavy Cream: Gives luxurious creaminess to the sauce, can substitute with half-and-half.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, freshly grated recommended.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing other flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herb complexity to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Provides additional garlic flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds optional heat and complexity.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh color and light herbal note to finish the dish.

Tweaks for Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Vegetarian Power Pasta: Replace chicken with roasted tofu or chickpeas for a protein-packed meatless version, keeping the creamy sauce and broccoli intact.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour, and use cornstarch instead of wheat flour for the roux.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, creamy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, and olive oil margarine to replace butter for those with dairy restrictions.

FAQs for Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just add it directly to the boiling pasta in the last 2 minutes of cooking, no need to thaw beforehand.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat penne, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutrition.

• What protein alternatives work well?

Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or plant-based protein like tofu. Each option provides a different flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s creamy texture.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain the creamy sauce consistency.

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting broccoli and chicken penne promises a delightful culinary journey through rich, velvety flavors. Seasoned ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal that will transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil, then introduce penne pasta and allow it to cook per package guidelines.
2. During the final two minutes of pasta cooking, immerse broccoli florets directly into the boiling water alongside the pasta.
3. Carefully drain the pasta and broccoli using a colander, then transfer to a separate holding dish.
4. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature.
5. Introduce chicken pieces into the heated skillet, seasoning thoroughly with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
6. Sauté chicken, periodically stirring, until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, approximately 5-7 minutes.
7. Extract chicken from the pan and reserve momentarily.
8. Utilize the identical skillet to melt butter over medium heat, then incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
9. Introduce flour and whisk continuously for one minute to create a smooth roux.
10. Gradually stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the mixture, whisking persistently to eliminate potential lumps.
11. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper to personal preference.
12. Allow sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until achieving a luxurious, thickened consistency.
13. Reintroduce cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli into the skillet, thoroughly coating all ingredients with the creamy sauce.
14. Warm the combined ingredients for an additional 1-2 minutes.
15. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
16. Serve immediately while piping hot, ready to delight.

Notes

• Swap penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions and enhance nutritional value.
• Reduce heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness compared to chicken breasts.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and minimize kitchen stress during meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg