Irresistible Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

Comfort arrives with this creamy broccoli and chicken penne that promises a delightful twist on classic pasta dishes.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the harmonious blend of tender chicken and crisp vegetables.

Hearty ingredients come together in a rich, velvety sauce that whispers warmth and satisfaction.

Mediterranean herbs add a subtle complexity to each forkful of this nourishing meal.

Weeknight dinners become something special with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.

Families gather around the table, eager to savor every single bite.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those moments when simplicity meets deliciousness.

Why Creamy Penne with Broccoli and Chicken Hits the Spot

• Speed Up Meal Prep: Slice chicken beforehand and chop ingredients in advance to cut down on cooking time during the actual meal preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Swap broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or asparagus, or add extra protein such as shrimp or tofu to suit personal preferences.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Creates a creamy, satisfying dish that appeals to both adults and kids, with familiar flavors and a crowd-pleasing texture that makes dinnertime enjoyable.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for most of the cooking process, reducing dishes and saving time after the meal.

All the Ingredients for This Cozy Penne Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying element to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps to enhance the overall creamy texture.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Contributes to the velvety consistency and adds a tangy depth to the sauce.
• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing and enhancing flavor.

• Broccoli Florets: Adds nutritious green color and a tender-crisp texture to the pasta.
• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Penne Pasta: Serves as the primary carbohydrate and helps to absorb the creamy sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne

Step 1: Prep The Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into small, even bites. This helps them cook uniformly and look appetizing.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and fully done, which takes about 6-8 minutes. Move cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until they release their delicious aroma and turn soft and translucent.

Step 4: Create Dreamy Cream Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Milk

Whisk continuously to develop a silky smooth base. Add cream cheese and blend until the sauce becomes velvety and rich.

Step 5: Cook The Pasta

Boil penne in a separate pot until perfectly al dente, which usually takes 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: Add Veggie Goodness

Toss broccoli florets into the cream sauce. Let them simmer for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender yet crisp.

Step 7: Reunite The Ingredients

Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently fold into the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Combine And Coat

Drain pasta and add directly to the skillet. Mix thoroughly so every pasta piece gets covered in the luxurious sauce.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the dish. Stir to distribute evenly.

Step 10: Serve With Style

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve piping hot and enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal!

Pro Tips for Saucy, Cheesy Chicken Penne

• Slice Precisely: Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Cream Cheese Magic: Whisk cream cheese thoroughly to create a silky, smooth sauce without lumps, ensuring a luxurious texture.
• Broccoli Brilliance: Cook broccoli florets briefly to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, preventing overcooking.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook penne al dente to provide the ideal chewy consistency that holds sauce beautifully and enhances overall dish enjoyment.
• Season Strategically: Layer flavors by seasoning chicken with salt and pepper during sautéing, then adding parmesan for an extra flavor boost.

Pasta Dinner Variations That Keep It Interesting

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace chicken with grilled lamb, swap cream sauce for tzatziki, add kalamata olives and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Substitute chicken with seasoned ground beef, use pepper jack cheese, incorporate roasted red peppers and jalapeños for a zesty kick.
• Veggie Lovers' Dream: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms, add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, use vegetable broth instead of cream for a lighter option.
• Seafood Sensation: Swap chicken for sautéed shrimp or chunks of white fish, mix in capers and lemon zest, sprinkle with fresh dill for a maritime flair.

What Complements Chicken Penne at the Table

• Elevate Flavor Pairing: Crisp Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce's richness, cutting through the dish's heaviness with bright, buttery notes.
• Refresh with Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness and add zesty, peppery contrast.
• Match with Red: Select a light-bodied Pinot Noir to provide subtle fruit undertones that enhance the chicken and creamy sauce without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
• Boost with Side: Roast garlic-kissed asparagus spears to add a green vegetable that echoes the broccoli and provides a complementary earthy dimension to the main dish.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Chicken Penne

• Store leftover creamy chicken penne in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it stays fresh and maintains its delicious flavor.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Keep sauce and pasta separately if possible to maintain optimal texture. Store components in individual containers to prevent soggy pasta and preserve the dish's original quality.

Pasta FAQs You Didn’t Know You Needed

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne is ideal due to its tube-like shape that captures sauce perfectly, but other short pasta like rigatoni or ziti can also work well.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the sauce to prevent watering down the creamy texture.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, and add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.