Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with the wholesome goodness of chicken and broccoli, this dish is your go-to for a comforting, delicious meal. Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne hits all the marks: it’s quick, nutritious, and family-friendly, making it the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or casual dinner gatherings. Imagine tender bites of pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce, paired with juicy chicken and crisp broccoli florets.

This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl! And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro chef to pull it off. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step, sharing tips, substitutions, and tools to ensure your cooking journey is as smooth as the creamy sauce we’ll be making.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

1. Quick and Easy: You’ll have this dish on the table in just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy schedules.
2. Nutrient-Packed: With lean chicken breast and vitamin-rich broccoli, it’s as wholesome as it is tasty.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for picky eaters or gourmet enthusiasts, this dish always gets rave reviews.

Suitable For

• Family Dinners: A one-pan wonder that everyone will enjoy.
• Meal Prepping: It reheats beautifully for weekday lunches.
• Adaptable Diets: Swap ingredients to make it vegetarian or gluten-free.

Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Core Ingredients

Let’s break down what makes this recipe so delicious:

• Penne Pasta: The perfect choice for holding onto that creamy sauce.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds color, crunch, and nutrients.
• Chicken Breast: Tender, protein-packed pieces to round out the dish.
• Garlic: Just three cloves give a fragrant kick to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The star of the sauce – rich, luscious, and utterly indulgent.
• Parmesan Cheese: The salty, nutty undertone that makes the sauce irresistible.
• Italian Seasoning and Paprika: A subtle blend of herbs and spices for depth.

Substitutions and Tips

• Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap penne for your favorite gluten-free variety to cater to dietary needs.
• Dairy-Free Cream: Coconut cream or cashew cream work wonderfully if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftovers.
• Frozen Broccoli: Don’t stress if fresh isn’t on hand—frozen works just fine.

Best Ingredients for Perfect Results

The Best Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan takes this dish to the next level. Unlike pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting, freshly grated cheese blends seamlessly into the sauce, creating that signature silky texture.

Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli

Fresh broccoli wins for its vibrant color and slight crunch, but frozen broccoli is a convenient, budget-friendly option. If using frozen, add it directly to the boiling pasta water to thaw it perfectly without overcooking.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

• Large Skillet: For sautéing the chicken and making the creamy sauce.
• Pot: To cook the pasta and broccoli to perfection.
• Sharp Knife: A good knife makes dicing chicken a breeze.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Microplane Grater: Perfect for finely grating Parmesan or garlic.
• Garlic Press: Speeds up the prep process, especially if you’re a garlic lover.

Pro Tips to Get It Right Every Time

• Timing Is Everything: Add the broccoli to the pasta pot during the last 3 minutes of boiling to avoid overcooking.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the cream sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent it from curdling.
• Season As You Go: Taste-test throughout to balance salt and pepper to your preference.

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get cooking! This recipe is designed to be both approachable and foolproof, ensuring you’ll end up with a restaurant-worthy meal every time.

Stay tuned for the step-by-step instructions, and get ready to impress your loved ones with this creamy, comforting delight!

How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. With some good timing and these helpful tips, you’ll create a creamy, flavor-packed dish that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli

The foundation of this dish starts with perfectly cooked pasta and broccoli.

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for “al dente” – firm but tender, as the pasta will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce later.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: During the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets. This ensures the broccoli is cooked to a vibrant green and retains its slight crunch.
3. Drain and Reserve: Drain the pasta and broccoli together, and reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid can help adjust the consistency of the sauce later, if needed.

Pro Tip: Don’t rinse the pasta! The starchy coating helps the sauce stick to every piece.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Golden, juicy chicken pieces take this dish to the next level.

1. Prep the Chicken: Dice 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear nicely.
2. Season Well: Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of paprika for a smoky, flavorful kick.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked.
4. Remove and Set Aside: Transfer the chicken to a plate, leaving the flavorful browned bits in the pan – this will infuse the sauce with even more flavor!

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the chicken! Remove it as soon as it’s cooked through to avoid dryness.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Now for the best part – the luxurious, cheesy sauce.

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
2. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in 2 cups of heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
3. Incorporate the Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Watch as the cheese melts into the cream, creating a velvety sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Pro Tip: Keep the heat low when working with heavy cream to prevent curdling. Stir constantly for a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

The final step is pulling everything together for a cohesive, delicious dish.

1. Mix It All Together: Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Add the drained penne pasta and gently mix until every piece is smothered in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
2. Serve Hot: Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley (optional) for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its peak creaminess.

Tips for Success

Want to make your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne absolutely perfect? These tips will help:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta or Broccoli: Al dente pasta and crisp-tender broccoli ensure the final dish has the perfect balance of textures.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-packaged cheese, giving you a silky sauce.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: When making the sauce, keep the heat low and simmer gently to avoid curdling the cream.
• Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and Parmesan to your liking.
• Work Quickly: Pasta waits for no one! Once everything is combined, serve immediately to preserve the sauce’s creamy consistency.

How to Store Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

This dish is just as good the next day! Here’s how to store it for maximum freshness:

At Room Temperature

Let the pasta cool to room temperature for no longer than 1 hour before storing. Leaving it out longer can encourage bacterial growth.

In the Refrigerator

Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing Tips

Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to life.

With these steps and tips, you’re well on your way to creating a dinner masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping ahead for the week, this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience in every bite. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When it comes to making Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, you may have a few questions. Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!

How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

It’s super easy to turn this dish into a vegetarian delight! Swap out the chicken for hearty mushrooms or cubes of tofu for that protein boost. Use plant-based cream (like cashew or coconut cream) for a dairy-free, veggie-friendly option.

Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully for holding the creamy sauce, you can experiment with other shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free varieties. Each brings a slightly different texture, so feel free to choose your favorite!

How Do I Prevent the Cream Sauce From Curdling?

The secret to a smooth, creamy sauce is patience and low heat. Simmer the sauce gently and avoid boiling it. Stir frequently, and add the cream slowly to ensure it incorporates seamlessly without separating.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne recipe, you might enjoy these other hearty dishes:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipes
  A creamy pasta dish with garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken.
• Chicken Mushroom Pasta
  An earthy and comforting pasta with chicken and mushrooms.
• Golden Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta
  Crispy chicken bites over pasta with a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce.
• The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
  A warm, creamy soup with broccoli, cheese, and potatoes.

Why You Need to Try Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Today

This recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: fast, foolproof, and endlessly delicious. With its creamy texture, hearty chicken, and vibrant broccoli, it’s a one-dish wonder that will have your family asking for seconds.

The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it so special. You don’t need fancy tools or exotic ingredients – just your kitchen basics and a little love. Plus, it’s adaptable! Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or just looking for a wholesome comfort meal, this dish has you covered.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. And don’t forget to share your results! Leave a comment, snap a photo, and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!

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