Go Back
To make Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne, you need some simple ingredients. This dish is a great mix of pasta, chicken, and broccoli. Each bite is creamy and full of flavor. Here’s what you will need: - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed - 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 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish You will need some key tools to make this dish. Start with a large pot for boiling the pasta. Use a large skillet to cook the chicken and make the sauce. A colander helps drain the pasta and broccoli. Finally, have a spatula handy for mixing everything together. These tools make the process easy and fun. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. In the last two minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This way, they cook perfectly without getting mushy. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set them aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up. Once hot, toss in the cubed chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it often until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Now, it’s time for the sauce. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for one more minute. This brings out the garlic's great flavor, but be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Finally, add the cooked penne and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together gently. You want every piece coated in that creamy sauce. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. For the complete dish, refer to the Full Recipe. To make the sauce super creamy, use heavy cream. It gives a rich texture. Heat the cream gently before adding cheese. This step helps it blend well. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese slowly. It should melt smoothly into the cream. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This will help loosen it while keeping the flavor. Cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package directions for the best result. Remember to add the broccoli for the last two minutes of cooking. This will keep the broccoli bright and crisp. Drain the pasta and broccoli together. This ensures they stay warm and ready for the sauce. Season your chicken well for great flavor. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. These spices complement the cream and cheese. Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh basil adds a lovely touch, too. It enhances both taste and presentation. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. They not only add color but also boost nutrition. Just chop them up and toss them into the pot with the broccoli. Cook them until tender. You can also use frozen vegetables, which save time. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed. If you want a different protein, swap the chicken for shrimp or turkey. Both options work great and add their own unique flavor. You can also try tofu for a vegetarian choice. Just make sure to cook it until golden brown for the best taste. Each protein will change the dish slightly but will still keep it creamy and delicious. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free penne pasta. There are many great options available today. You can also create a vegan version by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace the cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. You might find that this version has a light, fresh taste that’s just as satisfying. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! Store leftover creamy broccoli chicken penne in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. This helps keep the flavors fresh. To reheat, place the creamy broccoli chicken penne in a pot over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of cream or water to help loosen the sauce. Heat until warm throughout. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze creamy broccoli chicken penne for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it may expand. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. The sauce may separate slightly, so add a little cream or milk to help it come back together. Enjoy your delicious meal again later! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. Fusilli or farfalle work well. They hold sauce nicely. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. Always cook pasta until it is al dente. This gives you the best texture. To spice it up, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can also add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you want more heat, use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken. Just cook the sausage until brown before adding garlic. This dish pairs well with a simple salad. A Caesar or garden salad adds freshness. Garlic bread is also a great choice. It complements the creamy sauce nicely. You can even serve it with grilled vegetables for more color and flavor. For a drink, try a light white wine or sparkling water. This recipe for Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne is easy and fun. We covered every step, from gathering ingredients to cooking. You learned how to make a creamy sauce, perfect pasta, and more. I shared tips for great taste and texture. Plus, variations let you customize your dish. Remember, storage tips help you enjoy leftovers later. Whether you go spicy or try different pasta, the choice is yours. Happy cooking!

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne, a delicious dinner that your whole family will love. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. Follow our simple step-by-step instructions to bring this flavorful delight to your table in no time. Click to explore the full recipe and start cooking a meal that will satisfy your cravings tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

2 cups broccoli florets

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

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

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.

    Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the cubed chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

      Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

        Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.

          Combine: Add the cooked penne and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine everything well, ensuring the pasta and broccoli are coated in the creamy sauce.

            Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls or plates, topped with additional grated Parmesan and a sprig of basil for a fresh touch. Feel free to drizzle a little olive oil over the top for extra richness.