Oh my goodness, you’re going to love this Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne! It’s one of those cozy, comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I mean, who doesn’t love pasta smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with tender chicken and vibrant green broccoli? It’s not just delicious; it’s a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend dinner.
What I adore most about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to whip up. Seriously, you can have this on the table in about 30 minutes! Plus, it’s so satisfying and packed with flavor that even picky eaters will ask for seconds. I remember the first time I made it for my friends; they couldn’t believe how quickly it came together and how rich and creamy it tasted. It’s become a staple in my kitchen ever since!
With just a handful of ingredients—most of which you probably already have—you’ll create a dish that’s both comforting and somewhat elegant. The combination of garlic, chicken, and broccoli in a luscious cream sauce is simply irresistible. You’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand because trust me, it’s one you’ll return to again and again!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups penne pasta: This tubular pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully. Go for whole wheat or gluten-free if you prefer!
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen works! Just make sure they’re bite-sized so they cook evenly and blend well with the pasta.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Tender and juicy, this is the star protein of our dish. Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option!
- 2 cups heavy cream: This will give your sauce that luxurious, creamy texture. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, but it won’t be quite as rich.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that creamy meltiness! It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Trust me, don’t skip this! Garlic brings a fantastic aroma and flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the chicken and adding a little richness. You could also use butter for an even more decadent flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning! Adjust according to your preference for that perfect flavor.
With these ingredients lined up, you’re all set to bring this dish to life! I can practically smell the deliciousness already! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—cooking up this delicious Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Penne: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes until al dente. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, toss in 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Oh, that sizzle is music to my ears!
- Add Garlic and Broccoli: Now, add in 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—seriously, just wait until that garlic aroma fills your kitchen! Next, toss in 1 cup of broccoli florets. If you’re using frozen, no worries—just give them a few extra minutes to cook through. Sauté everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Time to make it dreamy! Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. This is where the magic happens! Once it’s bubbling, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts into that luscious sauce we all crave.
- Combine and Season: By now, your pasta should be ready! Drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the creamy chicken and broccoli sauce. Toss everything together to ensure that every piece of pasta is coated in that heavenly sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy; this is your chance to really make it shine!
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate up your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne while it’s still hot. I like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for that ultimate finish. Trust me, every bite will make you feel like a culinary rockstar!
And there you have it! A simple yet utterly delightful dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. You’re going to love how easy it is to prepare this crowd-pleaser! Now, let’s dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Comforting and Satisfying: With creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and cream creates a rich sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, it’s irresistible!
- Healthy Twist: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the broccoli, this pasta dish is not just indulgent but also a great way to sneak in some veggies.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this creamy pasta! It’s a great way to introduce kids to broccoli without them even noticing.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins. You can switch things up and make it your own every time!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne, here are some handy tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly. Trust me, a few little tricks can make a big difference!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your penne! You want it al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. The pasta will continue cooking slightly when you mix it with the hot sauce, so it’s better to undercook it just a tad.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and broccoli will elevate the flavors of your dish significantly. If you can, opt for fresh over frozen for maximum taste and texture!
- Adjust the Cream: If you prefer a thicker sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of cream or let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. On the flip side, if you like it lighter, you can add a splash of chicken broth to balance it out.
- Season Gradually: When seasoning with salt and pepper, add a little at a time. Taste as you go! This way, you can control the flavor and avoid over-seasoning.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepped ahead of time! You can cook the chicken and broccoli and make the creamy sauce separately. Just combine everything when you’re ready to eat to save some time!
- Leftovers are Gold: If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember, the pasta will soak up the sauce, so you might want to add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring back that creamy goodness!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious and satisfying Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to mix things up, there are so many fun ways to customize your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne! Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Veggie Boost: Swap out the broccoli for other colorful vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or bell peppers. Each adds its own unique flavor and texture, making the dish even more vibrant!
- Protein Options: If you’re not a chicken fan, try using shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version. You can also toss in some cooked sausage or bacon for a smoky kick!
- Cheese Variety: While Parmesan is a classic, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness, or feta for a tangy twist. Just think about what flavor profile you want to enhance!
- Herbs and Spices: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. These little touches can elevate the dish to a whole new level!
- Nutty Texture: For a delightful crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts right before serving. It adds an unexpected layer of texture that’s simply divine!
- Change the Pasta: Feel free to swap out penne for your favorite pasta shape! Fusilli, rotini, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option work wonderfully, too.
With these variations, you can make your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne feel fresh and exciting every time you whip it up. So go ahead, have fun with it, and let your taste buds guide the way!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers! If by some miracle you have any Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne left over—because I know how tempting it is—you’ll want to store it properly to keep that creamy goodness intact.
First things first, let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it into an airtight container. This is super important—keeping it sealed will help maintain its flavor and texture. You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
When it comes time to reheat, you have a couple of options. My favorite way is to use the stovetop—just pop the leftover pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth to help loosen up the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir it occasionally until it’s heated through, and voila! It’s like it was just made fresh.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep the moisture in), and zap it for about 1-2 minutes. Check and stir halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. Remember, you might want to add a little extra cream or broth here too!
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne just as much the next day (or even the day after that)! Happy eating!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne, it’s always good to know what you’re putting on your plate. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional values for a typical serving, but keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use:
- Calories: Approximately 650
- Fat: About 35g
- Protein: Roughly 30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 60g
Remember, these values are just estimates! Depending on how you prepare it or if you make any substitutions (like using a different type of pasta or cheese), the nutrition can change. So, feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy every creamy, delicious bite of your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne without worrying too much—after all, it’s all about balance, right?
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for this dish, feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape—fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti work great too! Just keep an eye on the cooking times as they may differ.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the sauce might not be as thick or rich, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and broccoli, and even make the creamy sauce ahead of time. Just combine everything when you’re ready to serve, and it’ll save you some precious time!
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even some canned chickpeas for protein. The creamy sauce will still be fantastic!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy and delicious!
Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne: 5 Comforting Steps to Happiness
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting pasta dish with creamy sauce, broccoli, and chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in minced garlic and broccoli florets.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Adjust cream for desired thickness.
- Top with extra cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne, pasta, chicken, broccoli, creamy sauce