Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce envelops the pasta and chicken, while the broccoli adds a burst of color and a healthy crunch. It’s quick to make, but tastes like a dish you’d get at a restaurant. The chicken is tender, the broccoli is perfectly cooked, and the sauce is rich and smooth. It’s a comforting, filling, and easy-to-make meal that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
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1 lb penne pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 ½ cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
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Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
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Add the broccoli florets and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and heated through.
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Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce, chicken, and broccoli. Stir until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add More Veggies: You can include other vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add more flavor and nutrition.
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Swap the Chicken: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a different protein.
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Lighten It Up: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese.
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Add Garlic Bread: Serve this pasta dish with a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
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Spicy Kick: Add a bit more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version of this creamy dish.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking, or cook it directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It might be a little thicker when reheated, so add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute penne with any type of pasta, such as fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
How do I keep the sauce creamy without it separating?
Make sure to cook the sauce on medium-low heat to avoid overheating and causing the cream to separate. Stir constantly and add a bit of chicken broth or milk if the sauce gets too thick.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it completely dairy-free.
How do I make the broccoli more tender?
You can steam or blanch the broccoli for a couple of minutes before adding it to the sauce, or cook it longer in the skillet until it reaches your desired tenderness.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it to the sauce.
Can I add more cheese?
Yes, feel free to add more Parmesan or another type of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for extra flavor and richness.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, you can use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure the broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a rich, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. With its deliciously smooth sauce and satisfying ingredients, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Make this creamy pasta today and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and wholesome!
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne, this hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
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1 lb penne pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 ½ cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
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Make the Sauce: Add heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Add Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Add the Broccoli and Chicken: Add the broccoli florets and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
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Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Variations:Add extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.Substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for different proteins.For a lighter version, use half-and-half or low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.For a spicy version, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.Storage:Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, or in the microwave.
