Go Back
To make Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne, gather simple ingredients. This dish is quick, tasty, and filling. It takes only 30 minutes to prepare. You will love how creamy and flavorful it is. This recipe serves four people. - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you need swaps for this recipe, you have options. For pasta, use any short shape, like fusilli or bowtie. Instead of chicken, try shrimp or tofu for a different flavor. Use low-fat milk if you want a lighter sauce. Instead of heavy cream, you can also use half-and-half. If you lack Parmesan, any hard cheese like Pecorino works well too. First, boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add 2 cups of broccoli florets. This ensures they stay bright and crisp. After cooking, drain the pasta and broccoli together. Set them aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce. In a large skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes. You want it to be well browned and fully cooked. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step adds great flavor to the dish. In the same skillet, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until you smell its sweet aroma. Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce for 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix well to combine. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese while stirring. This creates a rich and creamy sauce. If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated in that creamy sauce. Adjust the seasoning if needed. For the full recipe, you can refer back to the earlier section. Enjoy your creamy broccoli chicken penne! To make a great sauce, you need the right balance. Start with chicken broth and let it simmer. This step helps build flavor. When you add heavy cream, stir it in slowly. This keeps the sauce smooth. If it feels too thick, add a splash of broth. If it's too thin, let it cook a bit longer. The goal is a creamy, rich sauce that clings to the pasta. For juicy chicken, avoid overcooking. Sauté the diced chicken on medium heat. Season it well with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until it's golden brown. The chicken should be cooked through but still moist. Letting it rest after cooking helps too. This keeps the juices inside, making every bite tender. Using the right tools can make cooking easier. Here are my top picks: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Skillet for sautéing chicken and making the sauce - Wooden spoon for stirring - Measuring cups for accuracy - Sharp knife for dicing chicken and chopping veggies Having these tools ready will make your cooking process smooth and fun. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can boost the taste of your creamy broccoli chicken penne by adding more veggies. Try sweet bell peppers, carrots, or even peas. These add color and nutrition. Just chop them small so they cook quickly. You can add them while cooking the chicken or toss them in with the pasta. This way, they soak up the sauce and flavor. If you want to switch things up, use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice seafood touch. Just sauté them until they turn pink and tender. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Cube it and pan-fry until golden. Both options work well with the creamy sauce, keeping every bite tasty. While penne is great, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes. Fusilli or farfalle can give a fun twist to the dish. Their shapes help catch the sauce, making it extra yummy. You can even use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Each shape brings a new texture, making your meal exciting every time you cook it. For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and instructions above! After you enjoy your creamy broccoli chicken penne, store leftovers properly. First, let the dish cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you reheat your creamy broccoli chicken penne, do it slowly to keep the taste. Use a skillet on low heat. Stir often to ensure even warming. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This helps revive the creamy texture. Microwaves work too. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. Freezing is great for future meals. To freeze, pack the dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it is well sealed. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it using the techniques above. This way, you get a tasty meal without much effort later on. Yes, you can make Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix everything together. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy. This makes dinner easy on busy nights. To make this dish healthier, you can use whole grain penne. This option has more fiber and nutrients. Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or low-fat cream. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. These changes cut calories and boost vitamins without losing flavor. You still get a tasty meal that feels light. Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne pairs well with a simple side salad. Try a mix of greens with olive oil and lemon juice. Garlic bread also makes a nice side for this dish. If you want more veggies, roasted carrots or green beans work great too. These sides balance the creaminess of the pasta and add color to your plate. This blog post covered how to make Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne. We explored the full recipe, ingredient substitutions, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for a perfect sauce and juicy chicken. You can try variations with different veggies, proteins, and pasta. Lastly, I provided storage tips to keep the meal fresh. Enjoy experimenting with this dish to suit your taste. You’ll impress yourself with your cooking skills.

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne

Craving a flavorful meal that's quick to prepare? Try my Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne! This easy dinner dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, all ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a family meal, this recipe is customizable with ingredient swaps and variations. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

2 cups broccoli florets

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the pot during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is well browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes.

        Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to blend with the broth. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is creamy. If you desire extra heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

          Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and then add the drained penne and broccoli to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.

            Serve: Divide the creamy broccoli chicken penne among bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

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