In the middle of a hectic week, when you crave something comforting yet crave a hit of freshness, Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne swoops in to save dinnertime. This cozy dish envelopes each ridged penne tube in a luxuriously smooth sauce enriched with Parmesan, while bright-green broccoli florets add a crisp, vibrant contrast. Tender, diced chicken breast soaks up Garlic’s warm, savory notes, and a dash of Italian seasoning plus optional red pepper flakes give just enough kick to keep every bite exciting. And the best part? In under an hour—from chopping to plating—you’ll be sitting down to a bowl that feels indulgent but is deceptively simple to prepare. It’s the perfect blend of richness and freshness, the kind of recipe that turns busy weeknights into moments of joy around the table.
I love how beginner-friendly this dish is: just 15 minutes of prep, about 25 minutes of cooking, and you’ve got a family-pleaser ready to go. Boiling pasta to al dente, pan-searing chicken until golden, and steaming broccoli until bright green teaches essential kitchen skills without overwhelming. Stirring heavy cream together with chicken broth and Parmesan transforms those humble ingredients into a sauce that clings gorgeously to every curve of penne. Whether you’re whipping it up for lunch, dinner, or a crowd, you can customize it easily—swap half-and-half to lighten it up, add a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or sneak in extra veggies for color and nutrition. This dish proves that comfort food can be both effortless and showstopping.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY BROCCOLI AND CHICKEN PENNE
Before you dive into this creamy masterpiece, let’s break down the stars of the show. Understanding each ingredient’s role helps you see why they work so well together—and how easy it is to swap or tweak them to suit your taste.
- Penne pasta: The ridged tubes are perfect for trapping every bit of the creamy sauce, giving you maximum flavor in each bite.
- Olive oil: Creates a flavorful base for cooking chicken and garlic, adding a subtle fruitiness.
- Chicken breast: Lean and mild, it soaks up seasonings beautifully and adds protein-packed heft.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all other flavors throughout the dish.
- Broccoli florets: Provide a bright pop of color and a crisp-tender bite that offsets the rich sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth when lightly sautéed.
- Heavy cream: The foundation of the sauce, lending silkiness and richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami and helps thicken the sauce as it melts.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Thins the cream slightly and deepens the savory profile without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that gives the sauce a classic Mediterranean flair.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Offer a gentle warmth that livens up each forkful.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a burst of fresh, herbal brightness.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY BROCCOLI AND CHICKEN PENNE
Ready to get cooking? This streamlined process takes you step by step through boiling, sautéing, steaming, and saucing, ensuring every component is perfectly timed for a harmonious finale.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and a splash of water. Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
4. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
6. Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet, then add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes over low heat to warm everything through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm, and enjoy!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY BROCCOLI AND CHICKEN PENNE
Serving Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the grand finale of your cooking adventure, transforming a simple weeknight meal into an experience that feels both cozy and celebratory. To begin, consider warming individual bowls in the oven or filling a heatproof baking pan with warm water to keep plates hot—this little trick ensures the creamy sauce stays at the perfect temperature from first bite to last. Visual appeal is key, so scatter a handful of extra Parmesan cheese atop each portion and a fresh sprinkling of chopped parsley for a bright, inviting pop of green. For textural contrast, set a basket of toasted garlic bread on the table, its crisp edges and buttery garlic aroma providing an irresistible pairing as you scoop up every last bit of sauce. Complement this richness with a simple green salad with mixed lettuces and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpoint. Place a few lemon wedges on the side to add citrus brightness, and pour chilled glasses of white wine or iced tea to round out the meal. Thoughtful touches like these turn your dinner into a memorable feast without any extra fuss.
- Warm Bowls: Preheat plates or bowls to keep the sauce luscious, ensuring every bite feels freshly sauced.
- Toasted Garlic Bread: Serve alongside to add a crunchy, buttery element that’s perfect for dipping into excess sauce.
- Green Salad: A lightly dressed mix of greens balances the rich, creamy pasta and adds a refreshing crunch.
- Lemon Wedges: Offer on the side so guests can squeeze in bright, citrusy notes that cut through the creaminess.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY BROCCOLI AND CHICKEN PENNE
When life gets hectic and leftovers beckon, knowing how to store Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne properly ensures each reheated bite tastes almost as good as fresh. The rich sauce and tender ingredients can be sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture, so following a few smart storage tips will help preserve that signature creaminess and prevent the broccoli from becoming a soggy mash. Proper cooling, the right containers, and mindful reheating all play a part in maintaining the dish’s texture and flavor. Whether you’re stashing individual portions for easy lunches or saving a family-sized batch for tomorrow’s dinner, this guide will show you the best ways to keep your pasta tasting top-notch. Read on to discover how to refrigerate, freeze, and reheat with confidence, ensuring your cozy meal stays convenient and delicious whenever you’re ready to dig back in.
- Refrigerate in Airtight Containers: Allow the pasta to cool slightly, then transfer to sealed, airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze Flat in Freezer Bags: Portion into heavy-duty freezer bags, press out excess air, and freeze flat for up to two months—perfect for meal prep.
- Thaw Overnight in Fridge: Move a frozen package to the refrigerator the night before reheating to allow gentle thawing and preserve sauce consistency.
- Reheat Gently: Warm leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals for even heating.
CONCLUSION
As you’ve seen, Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is one of those magical recipes that delivers big on flavor and warmth while staying incredibly approachable, even if you’re new to cooking. From the moment you bring water to a rolling boil for the penne to the final garnish of parsley, each step guides you toward a cozy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or even a laid-back gathering with friends. With only 15 minutes of prep and about 25 minutes of cooking time, this dish transforms simple ingredients—pasta, tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a Parmesan-enriched cream sauce—into a harmonious, satisfying bowl. We’ve walked through the key ingredients, demonstrated how to master those essential techniques, and explored serving and storage tips so that you can confidently recreate it again and again. Whether you’re heating up leftovers for a quick lunch or plating it with a crisp salad and toasted bread for company, this recipe has your back when you want comfort food that feels anything but ordinary. Don’t forget to print this article and save it in your favorite recipe binder or digital folder so that it’s always within easy reach when inspiration strikes.
Cooking is an adventure best enjoyed together, so if you give this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne a whirl, I would love to hear how it goes. Share your cooking stories, any delicious tweaks you made, or questions that came up as you whisked, sautéed, and stirred your way to dinner. Did you swap in half-and-half to lighten things up? How did your family respond to the red pepper flakes? Your feedback not only helps me refine the recipe but also inspires other home cooks to roll up their sleeves and dive in. Below this article, you’ll find a helpful FAQ section addressing common questions about substitutions, storage times, and technique tips—so be sure to check that out. If you encounter any hiccups or simply want to celebrate your culinary wins, drop a comment. Your insights, questions, and feedback make this cooking community vibrant and supportive. Next time you’re craving something creamy, savory, and filled with green goodness, let this recipe be your trusty guide—and know that delicious dinners are always just a few simple steps away.
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Description
Creamy sauce enriched with Parmesan clings to al dente penne, studded with juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli for a satisfying, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and a little splash of water. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
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Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and (optional) red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
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Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet, then add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
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Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat to warm everything through. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Note
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh and tangy flavor.
- Substitute whole-wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- For added flavor, sprinkle the top with additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
