Easy Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne Recipe For Family Night

Dreaming of a satisfying weeknight creamy broccoli and chicken penne that combines comfort with nutrition?

Pasta lovers understand the magic of one-pot meals packed with vibrant ingredients.

Tender chicken chunks nestle perfectly among al dente penne, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Fresh broccoli adds a crisp green dimension to this delightful dish.

Robust seasonings infuse each bite with incredible depth and warmth.

Rich cream sauce binds everything together, promising a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Why Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Makes a Great Dinner

• Quickly Craft a Satisfying Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious comfort food.
• Adaptable to Dietary Preferences: Easily customize the recipe by swapping chicken for tofu, using gluten-free pasta, or adding extra vegetables to suit different nutritional needs and taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, making it an ideal meal that pleases everyone around the dinner table.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and streamlined cooking process mean you'll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a hearty, nutritious meal with your loved ones.

Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that catches the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the dish.
• Chicken: Protein-packed meat that becomes golden and tender when cooked.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing chicken and creating a flavorful foundation.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious sauce that coats all ingredients.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic spices that add depth and complexity to the overall taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that brings a fresh, bright note to the finished dish.

How to Cook Broccoli and Chicken Penne Perfectly

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil.

Toss in the penne pasta and cook it according to the package directions. When you’re almost done, drop in the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking.

Once ready, drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Seasoned Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.

Step 3: Create Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Turn down the heat and pour in the heavy cream.

Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, creating a luxurious base for your sauce.

Step 4: Enhance the Sauce

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.

Continue cooking and stir until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Bring back the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Mix them into the creamy sauce.

Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your creamy pasta while it’s hot.

If you want, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of color and flavor. Dive in and enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Broccoli Chicken Penne

• Ensure pasta is al dente by checking package instructions carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Experiment with additional herbs like basil or thyme to customize the dish's flavor profile without overwhelming the creamy sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.

Variations to Change Up Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh, pressing and marinating beforehand to enhance flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap penne pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's core flavors.

What Complements Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: A buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce's richness, balancing the dish's heavy flavors with its crisp acidity.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread provides a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy pasta, helping to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra flavor.
• Match with Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the dish's creaminess, adding brightness and a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken and pasta.
• Recommend Sparkling Water with Lemon: A bubbly, citrusy sparkling water cleanses the palate between bites, refreshing the mouth and enhancing the meal's overall enjoyment.

How to Store Broccoli and Chicken Penne Safely

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Package the meal in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works great. Thaw and drain it well before adding to the pasta to prevent excess water in the sauce.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook quickly and provide lean protein that absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, and use less Parmesan cheese to reduce calories while maintaining flavor.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the components separately and combine just before serving. The sauce and chicken can be refrigerated for 1-2 days, then reheat gently with the pasta.

Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli and chicken penne brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners with its perfect blend of tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Pasta lovers will savor this hearty meal that combines protein-packed ingredients and rich, silky sauce you can easily prepare in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook penne according to package directions, introducing broccoli florets during the final 3 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and vegetables, reserving them for later.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce diced chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear until exterior turns golden and interior reaches complete doneness, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat, then add minced garlic. Sauté for 60 seconds until aromatic. Gently pour heavy cream into the pan, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until sauce develops a slightly thickened consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
5. Reintroduce chicken and broccoli into the creamy sauce. Add cooked penne, thoroughly mixing ingredients to ensure even coating and uniform temperature.
6. Transfer to serving plates immediately, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for added visual appeal and herbaceous flavor.

Notes

• Pick tender chicken breasts for the most succulent meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Chop broccoli into similar-sized florets to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a richer, more authentic flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 730 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg