Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Imagine this: a creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Each bite feels like a warm hug, satisfying your hunger while filling you with that cozy comfort only a great pasta dish can provide. Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the kind of dish that takes the stress out of mealtime. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with protein and veggies, making it perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to something special, this one is a guaranteed winner.

Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to make and how quickly it disappears once it hits the table. The creamy sauce is just dreamy, and the broccoli adds that perfect crunch—plus, it’s one of those meals that tastes even better as leftovers (if there are any left!). Let’s dive into why this dish is such a favorite.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

This recipe isn’t just about creating a delicious meal—it’s about bringing joy to your dinner table. Here’s why this dish is an absolute keeper:

• Versatile: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual get-together with friends, this creamy pasta dish fits every occasion. You can even customize it by adding other veggies or swapping out the chicken for another protein like shrimp or tofu.
• Budget-Friendly: It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. No need for anything fancy here—just everyday staples coming together for a dish that feels special.
• Quick and Easy: This is one of those recipes that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With just a few easy steps, you’ll be sitting down to a comforting, hearty meal in no time. Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to make something delicious without the stress.
• Customizable: You can make this dish as creamy as you like, or add extra seasonings to match your taste buds. Want a little spice? Add red pepper flakes. Love garlic? Throw in some extra cloves for that extra punch.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone. It strikes the perfect balance of comforting, hearty, and flavorful. Kids, adults, picky eaters—it’s a meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

The beauty of this dish is how easily it comes together with just a few basic ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this creamy chicken and broccoli penne so irresistible:

• Chicken Breast: The star of the show. Tender, juicy chicken breasts cook up beautifully and pair perfectly with the creamy sauce. You can grill, pan-fry, or bake them—whichever method you prefer.
• Penne Pasta: Penne is the perfect pasta for this dish—its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying. You can also use any other pasta you like, but penne really does the job here.
• Broccoli: Lightly steamed to retain that fresh, crisp texture, broccoli adds a pop of color and a veggie-packed punch to balance out all the creamy goodness.
• Heavy Cream: The key to that luxurious, creamy sauce. It’s rich and smooth, creating a velvety base that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: For that irresistible cheesy flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is best, as it melts into the sauce for a beautiful finish.
• Garlic: A few cloves of garlic add that aromatic depth that makes this dish feel extra comforting and flavorful.
• Chicken Broth: To help loosen up the sauce and add a little extra savory depth. It balances out the richness of the cream and cheese.
• Butter: To start off the sauce, giving it that smooth, silky texture and richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together and enhance the natural flavors of the dish.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and giving it that delicious crispy edge.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make the magic happen? Here’s how to prepare your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne in just a few simple steps:

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat a little olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them until golden and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

3. Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, add a tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. This will infuse the oil with that delicious, savory garlic flavor.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, until it slightly thickens. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce and makes it smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add the Broccoli

While the sauce is simmering, steam or blanch the broccoli until just tender. You want it to stay bright green and a little crisp to give that perfect contrast to the creamy sauce. Add the broccoli to the pan and stir it in to coat with the creamy sauce.

6. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce, broccoli, and chicken. Stir everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. You want everything to be coated in that beautiful creamy sauce.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is combined, serve your creamy chicken and broccoli penne immediately. You can sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for that final touch. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

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Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

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Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Fresh Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside some warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus make a great side to add more veggies and color to your plate.
• Wine Pairing: A light white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would pair beautifully with the creamy flavors of this dish.

Additional Tips

Here are a few more ideas to make your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne even better:

• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or season the chicken with a bit of paprika or cayenne before cooking.
• Prep Ahead: You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance, then just assemble everything when you’re ready to eat. It saves time on busy nights!
• Swap the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can easily swap it out for spinach, kale, or even peas.
• Dietary Adjustments: Make this dish lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substituting chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little extra cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can cook everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Absolutely! Penne works great, but any pasta you have on hand, like fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti, will work beautifully.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a bit of extra cream or broth to keep it creamy.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Q5: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A5: Definitely! Just make sure to steam it before adding it to the sauce so it’s not too mushy. Frozen broccoli can be just as delicious in this dish!

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a true comfort food classic that’s perfect for any day. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor

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