![Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a tasty dish. It combines rich flavors and textures. You will love how easy it is to make. The creamy sauce pairs well with chicken and broccoli. - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a role in this dish. The penne pasta gives a nice chew. Broccoli adds color and crunch. Chicken brings protein and heartiness. Olive oil helps in cooking. Garlic adds a lovely aroma. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich. Parmesan cheese gives a salty, nutty flavor. Italian seasoning brings warmth and depth. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Red pepper flakes can add a little heat. Lastly, parsley gives a fresh touch on top. For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe. First, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 8 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it as per the package directions until it is al dente. With three minutes left, add 2 cups of broccoli florets. This keeps the broccoli bright and crisp. After cooking, drain both the pasta and broccoli. Set them aside for later. In a large skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it on medium-high. Once hot, add 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the chicken. Sauté it for about 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken should be browned and no longer pink inside. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Next, lower the skillet’s heat to medium. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté this for about 30 seconds. Watch closely; you want it fragrant but not burnt. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to blend with the garlic. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Gradually mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into a creamy sauce. If you like heat, toss in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Return the cooked penne, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Gently toss everything together. Make sure each piece is coated in the creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens! Take a moment to taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. Once it’s just right, serve the creamy broccoli and chicken penne hot. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your meal! To make the sauce smooth and rich, start with high-quality heavy cream. Heat it gently but do not boil it; this keeps the sauce creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese slowly. This helps it melt evenly and creates a velvety texture. Taste as you go to adjust the seasoning. A pinch of salt or pepper can elevate the flavor. For tender chicken, use boneless, skinless breasts. Cut them into small pieces for quick cooking. Season them well before cooking. This adds extra flavor. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure they are browned and cooked through. If you have time, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before adding it back to the sauce. You can cook broccoli in various ways. Steaming keeps the color bright and the texture crisp. Boiling is quick but can make it mushy if overcooked. For a crunchy bite, blanch the broccoli with the penne. This method cooks it lightly and keeps it vibrant. Either way, aim to keep the broccoli bright green and tender. For more details on making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can mix it up with different veggies. Try adding spinach, peas, or bell peppers. These changes add color and taste. Just remember to cook the veggies until they are tender. You can add them with the broccoli for the last few minutes of cooking. This way, everything stays fresh and bright. The creamy sauce works well with various vegetables. If you want a different protein, switch the chicken for shrimp or turkey. Both options cook quickly and taste great. Tofu is a fantastic choice for a vegetarian meal. It absorbs flavors well and gives a nice texture. Just make sure to press out the water before cooking. You can also use cooked sausage for a spicy kick. To make a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor. Look for dairy-free cheese to sprinkle on top. Just mix everything well to achieve a creamy texture. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. You can enjoy the same great flavors without dairy! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After enjoying Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, save any leftovers. Let the dish cool down to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to label the container with the date. To reheat, place the leftovers in a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently. Alternatively, you can microwave it. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until it's warm. If you want to freeze the dish, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to freeze it within two days of cooking. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious. For the best texture, avoid freezing the creamy sauce if possible. If you do, stir in a little cream when reheating to restore creaminess. Yes, you can make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne ahead of time. Cook the dish fully, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess. If you don’t have heavy cream, there are several good substitutes. You can use half-and-half for a lighter option. Another choice is to mix milk with butter, using two tablespoons of melted butter for each cup of milk. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk or a nut-based cream. These alternatives work well but may change the flavor slightly. To boost the flavor of your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, add more herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the taste. You can also try lemon juice for a fresh zing. A splash of white wine while cooking the chicken adds depth. Lastly, consider using chicken broth instead of water for boiling pasta. These tips will make your dish even more delightful. This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for creamy broccoli and chicken penne. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting the dish. You can also try different veggies, proteins, or dairy-free options to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly for later meals. I hope you feel inspired to cook this dish. Enjoy every bite and make it your own!](https://eataroundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/e8925c9e-8c60-429d-b663-adc55b5eab64-250x250.webp)
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Indulge in a delightful dish with this creamy broccoli and chicken penne recipe! Perfectly cooked penne pasta meets tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a luscious cream sauce that's sure to please your taste buds. This quick and easy meal is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for any weeknight dinner.