Go Back
- 2 cups penne pasta - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil When I make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, I always start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The penne pasta gives the dish its heartiness, while the chicken adds protein and flavor. Broccoli not only adds color but also a crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. For aromatics, I like using a finely chopped onion and minced garlic. They add depth and richness to the dish. A little salt and pepper help enhance the flavors, while Italian seasoning brings a warm, herbal note. The creamy part is my favorite! Heavy cream makes the sauce rich, and grated Parmesan cheese adds that cheesy goodness. A splash of olive oil helps with cooking the chicken and gives a nice finish to the whole dish. These ingredients blend perfectly to create a comfort dish that warms the heart. You can find the full recipe to make this delightful meal at home. - Boil the penne in salted water until al dente. - Drain and set aside. - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. - Season and sauté the chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. - Cook onion and garlic in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes. - Add broccoli and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes. - Add heavy cream and Parmesan to the skillet with chicken and veggies. - Stir until the sauce is creamy and well mixed. - Mix in the cooked penne, ensuring it coats well. - Adjust sauce consistency with a splash of pasta water if needed. - Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. - Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. For a detailed guide with every step mapped out, check the Full Recipe. To cook pasta just right, follow these tips: - Use a big pot and lots of water. This keeps the pasta from sticking. - Add salt to the water for flavor. About 1 tablespoon per 4 quarts works well. - Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This helps it stay separate. - Check for al dente by tasting it a minute before the time runs out. To make your dish pop, try these ideas: - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. - Mix in Italian herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor. - A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the sauce and adds freshness. - Swap some cream for a bit of chicken broth for a lighter taste. Your dish should look as good as it tastes: - Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. This makes it look fancy. - Drizzle a little olive oil on top for shine. - Add more grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper for a gourmet touch. - Fresh parsley makes a nice pop of color and flavor. Try these tips next time you cook Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, and watch how they elevate your dish! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily switch the chicken for other meats. Turkey works well and is lean. Shrimp adds a nice touch and cooks fast. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or tofu. Both will soak up flavors and keep the dish hearty. Feel free to get creative with veggies. Bell peppers add color and sweetness. Spinach gives a boost of nutrition and cooks quickly. You can also use seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus to keep things fresh. Just chop them up and add during the sauté step. If you want a lighter sauce, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk works great too. You can also make homemade pasta sauces, like a simple marinara or basil pesto. Both add a fresh twist to your dish. You can find these recipes in the Full Recipe section. To keep your creamy broccoli and chicken penne fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This will help prevent bacteria growth. The dish stays fresh for about three to four days. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you want to save leftovers for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to avoid freezer burn. This dish can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw the penne overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to help revive the sauce. Stir until heated through, and enjoy your creamy comfort dish! For the full recipe, refer back to the main article. To make this dish, follow these steps: 1. Cook the Penne: Boil salted water and cook the penne until al dente. Drain it well. 2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add diced chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown. 3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft. Add broccoli and cook until tender but bright green. 4. Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat. Return chicken to the skillet. Add heavy cream and stir. Gradually mix in Parmesan cheese until it melts. 5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked penne and stir to coat. If too thick, add a splash of pasta water. 6. Season to Taste: Adjust with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes. 7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your creamy dish. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the penne and chicken, then store them separately. Keep the cream sauce in an airtight container. - Storage: Place everything in the fridge. Use within 2-3 days for best taste. - Reheating: Gently reheat in a pan. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back creaminess. This dish pairs well with several sides: - Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, it complements the creamy sauce. - Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the meal. - Steamed Vegetables: Add color and nutrients with steamed carrots or green beans. Yes, this recipe is great for kids. To make it even more appealing: - Adjust the Flavors: Use less garlic and seasoning if your kids prefer milder tastes. - Add Fun Shapes: Use fun pasta shapes to make the dish more exciting. - Involve Kids: Let them help with stirring or adding toppings like cheese. This way, kids will enjoy making and eating this dish! For the complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. This blog post covered how to make a delicious creamy broccoli and chicken penne dish. We discussed the key ingredients, like penne pasta, chicken, and broccoli. Then, I shared easy steps for cooking each component and tips for enhancing flavor and presentation. Lastly, we looked at storage and variations to keep things fresh. Cooking can be simple and fun. You can impress your family or friends with this recipe. Enjoy every bite and make it your own!

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Indulge in a deliciously creamy broccoli and chicken penne that's ready in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne, all coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a comforting dish that the whole family will love. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and bring home-cooked goodness to your table tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups penne pasta

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Penne: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the broccoli florets and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

        Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

          Combine Everything: Add the cooked penne to the skillet, mixing well to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

            Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

              Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy penne in shallow bowls, drizzled with a bit of extra olive oil and topped with additional Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper for a delicious finish.