![To make creamy broccoli chicken penne, gather these fresh and simple ingredients: - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a warm and comforting dish. The penne pasta serves as a great base. It holds onto the creamy sauce and pairs well with chicken and broccoli. The chicken adds protein, while the broccoli provides color and nutrition. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds depth and a salty flavor. Garlic and Italian seasoning bring in the perfect taste. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you want some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Fresh parsley on top not only looks nice, but it also brightens the dish. This list captures the essence of what you need for this delicious meal. For detailed cooking steps, check the full recipe. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. In the last 2-3 minutes, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the boiling water. This helps the broccoli stay bright green and crisp. Once they are both cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together. Set them aside for later. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once it is hot, add 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. Stir it often until it turns golden and is cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until it smells nice. Be careful not to burn it. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer gently. Allow it to reduce for about 3-4 minutes. This step makes the flavors stronger. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix it well with the broth. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese while stirring. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne and broccoli. Toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are coated in the sauce. Taste it and add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Finally, spoon the creamy broccoli chicken penne into serving bowls. To finish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color. This dish is ready to enjoy! If you want to see the full recipe and details, check out the [Full Recipe]. To make a rich sauce, start with fresh garlic. It adds great flavor. Sauté it until fragrant but not burnt. Then, add chicken broth and let it simmer. This step helps to enhance the taste. Pour in the heavy cream slowly. Stir as you add the Parmesan cheese. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture. If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Taste your sauce before mixing everything in. Adjust seasoning to your liking for the best flavor. Cooking chicken properly is key for safety and taste. Dice your chicken into small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Use medium heat in your skillet for the best results. Cook the chicken until it’s golden and no pink remains. It usually takes around 6-8 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F to be safe. This step guarantees a juicy and flavorful chicken in your dish. For this recipe, penne is perfect. Its shape holds the sauce well. You can also try rotini or farfalle if you like. Just make sure to cook pasta al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for the right cooking time. Remember to add broccoli in the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps it bright and crisp. Combining pasta and broccoli adds color and nutrition to your meal. Check the [Full Recipe](#) for complete guidance. {{image_4}} You can switch up the recipe by adding other veggies. Carrots, peas, or bell peppers work well. Just remember to cook them until tender. This adds color and nutrition. You can make it more colorful and fun by using a mix of veggies. Try adding spinach, zucchini, or asparagus for a fresh twist. If you want to change the protein, you can use shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian meal. Just make sure to cube it and sauté it until it’s golden. This lets you enjoy the dish while keeping it exciting. Even leftover rotisserie chicken can work in a pinch! To change the creaminess, you can use less heavy cream and add more broth. For a lighter dish, try half-and-half or milk. If you want a bolder taste, add more garlic or fresh herbs. Basil or thyme can bring a new flavor profile. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish. Feel free to experiment with spices and herbs based on your taste! You can find the Full Recipe [here](#). You can store leftover creamy broccoli chicken penne in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about three days. Make sure it cools before sealing. This helps keep the flavor intact. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stove. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm evenly. On the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps it creamy and prevents drying out. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, you can use whole wheat penne in this dish. Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and has a nutty flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Whole wheat penne may take a minute or two longer to cook. Check for doneness by tasting it. You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a blend of milk and flour. Each option changes the taste slightly, so choose what suits you best. To make this dish in a slow cooker, first, cook the chicken in a pan. After that, add the cooked chicken to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Stir in the pasta, broccoli, and sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This way, flavors blend well. No, this recipe is not gluten-free because of the penne pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta instead. Many brands offer gluten-free penne made from rice or corn. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix them with the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips. This blog post shared a tasty recipe with helpful tips. We explored the ingredients and instructions for a creamy chicken and broccoli dish. You learned how to cook pasta, sauté chicken, and make a flavorful sauce. We also covered ideas for variations and storage tips. Remember, you can customize this dish to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking and have fun experimenting with new flavors!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/97643d67-af93-4b0e-b355-d5d6a7efb84f-768x768.webp)
Looking for a dish that warms both your heart and stomach? Let me introduce you to Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne! This easy and tasty recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy sauce over perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s not just food—it’s comfort on a plate. Follow along as I guide you through each step to perfect this savory dish. You’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients
To make creamy broccoli chicken penne, gather these fresh and simple ingredients:
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a warm and comforting dish. The penne pasta serves as a great base. It holds onto the creamy sauce and pairs well with chicken and broccoli. The chicken adds protein, while the broccoli provides color and nutrition.
Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds depth and a salty flavor. Garlic and Italian seasoning bring in the perfect taste. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you want some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Fresh parsley on top not only looks nice, but it also brightens the dish.
This list captures the essence of what you need for this delicious meal. For detailed cooking steps, check the full recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. In the last 2-3 minutes, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the boiling water. This helps the broccoli stay bright green and crisp. Once they are both cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together. Set them aside for later.
Sauté the Chicken
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once it is hot, add 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. Stir it often until it turns golden and is cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until it smells nice. Be careful not to burn it. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer gently. Allow it to reduce for about 3-4 minutes. This step makes the flavors stronger.
Combine All Ingredients
Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix it well with the broth. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese while stirring. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne and broccoli. Toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are coated in the sauce. Taste it and add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.
Serve the Dish
Finally, spoon the creamy broccoli chicken penne into serving bowls. To finish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color. This dish is ready to enjoy! If you want to see the full recipe and details, check out the [Full Recipe].
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Sauce
To make a rich sauce, start with fresh garlic. It adds great flavor. Sauté it until fragrant but not burnt. Then, add chicken broth and let it simmer. This step helps to enhance the taste. Pour in the heavy cream slowly. Stir as you add the Parmesan cheese. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture. If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Taste your sauce before mixing everything in. Adjust seasoning to your liking for the best flavor.
Cooking Chicken Thoroughly
Cooking chicken properly is key for safety and taste. Dice your chicken into small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Use medium heat in your skillet for the best results. Cook the chicken until it’s golden and no pink remains. It usually takes around 6-8 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F to be safe. This step guarantees a juicy and flavorful chicken in your dish.
Choosing the Right Pasta
For this recipe, penne is perfect. Its shape holds the sauce well. You can also try rotini or farfalle if you like. Just make sure to cook pasta al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for the right cooking time. Remember to add broccoli in the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps it bright and crisp. Combining pasta and broccoli adds color and nutrition to your meal. Check the [Full Recipe](#) for complete guidance.
Variations
Adding Different Vegetables
You can switch up the recipe by adding other veggies. Carrots, peas, or bell peppers work well. Just remember to cook them until tender. This adds color and nutrition. You can make it more colorful and fun by using a mix of veggies. Try adding spinach, zucchini, or asparagus for a fresh twist.
Using Alternative Proteins
If you want to change the protein, you can use shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian meal. Just make sure to cube it and sauté it until it’s golden. This lets you enjoy the dish while keeping it exciting. Even leftover rotisserie chicken can work in a pinch!
Adjusting Creaminess and Flavor
To change the creaminess, you can use less heavy cream and add more broth. For a lighter dish, try half-and-half or milk. If you want a bolder taste, add more garlic or fresh herbs. Basil or thyme can bring a new flavor profile. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish. Feel free to experiment with spices and herbs based on your taste! You can find the Full Recipe [here](#).
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
You can store leftover creamy broccoli chicken penne in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about three days. Make sure it cools before sealing. This helps keep the flavor intact.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, you can use the microwave or stove. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm evenly. On the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps it creamy and prevents drying out. Enjoy your delicious meal again!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat penne?
Yes, you can use whole wheat penne in this dish. Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and has a nutty flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Whole wheat penne may take a minute or two longer to cook. Check for doneness by tasting it.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a blend of milk and flour. Each option changes the taste slightly, so choose what suits you best.
How can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
To make this dish in a slow cooker, first, cook the chicken in a pan. After that, add the cooked chicken to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Stir in the pasta, broccoli, and sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This way, flavors blend well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe is not gluten-free because of the penne pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta instead. Many brands offer gluten-free penne made from rice or corn. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix them with the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips.
This blog post shared a tasty recipe with helpful tips. We explored the ingredients and instructions for a creamy chicken and broccoli dish. You learned how to cook pasta, sauté chicken, and make a flavorful sauce. We also covered ideas for variations and storage tips. Remember, you can customize this dish to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking and have fun experimenting with new flavors!
![To make creamy broccoli chicken penne, gather these fresh and simple ingredients: - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a warm and comforting dish. The penne pasta serves as a great base. It holds onto the creamy sauce and pairs well with chicken and broccoli. The chicken adds protein, while the broccoli provides color and nutrition. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds depth and a salty flavor. Garlic and Italian seasoning bring in the perfect taste. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you want some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Fresh parsley on top not only looks nice, but it also brightens the dish. This list captures the essence of what you need for this delicious meal. For detailed cooking steps, check the full recipe. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. In the last 2-3 minutes, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the boiling water. This helps the broccoli stay bright green and crisp. Once they are both cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together. Set them aside for later. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once it is hot, add 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. Stir it often until it turns golden and is cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until it smells nice. Be careful not to burn it. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer gently. Allow it to reduce for about 3-4 minutes. This step makes the flavors stronger. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix it well with the broth. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese while stirring. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne and broccoli. Toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are coated in the sauce. Taste it and add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Finally, spoon the creamy broccoli chicken penne into serving bowls. To finish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color. This dish is ready to enjoy! If you want to see the full recipe and details, check out the [Full Recipe]. To make a rich sauce, start with fresh garlic. It adds great flavor. Sauté it until fragrant but not burnt. Then, add chicken broth and let it simmer. This step helps to enhance the taste. Pour in the heavy cream slowly. Stir as you add the Parmesan cheese. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture. If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Taste your sauce before mixing everything in. Adjust seasoning to your liking for the best flavor. Cooking chicken properly is key for safety and taste. Dice your chicken into small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Use medium heat in your skillet for the best results. Cook the chicken until it’s golden and no pink remains. It usually takes around 6-8 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F to be safe. This step guarantees a juicy and flavorful chicken in your dish. For this recipe, penne is perfect. Its shape holds the sauce well. You can also try rotini or farfalle if you like. Just make sure to cook pasta al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for the right cooking time. Remember to add broccoli in the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps it bright and crisp. Combining pasta and broccoli adds color and nutrition to your meal. Check the [Full Recipe](#) for complete guidance. {{image_4}} You can switch up the recipe by adding other veggies. Carrots, peas, or bell peppers work well. Just remember to cook them until tender. This adds color and nutrition. You can make it more colorful and fun by using a mix of veggies. Try adding spinach, zucchini, or asparagus for a fresh twist. If you want to change the protein, you can use shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian meal. Just make sure to cube it and sauté it until it’s golden. This lets you enjoy the dish while keeping it exciting. Even leftover rotisserie chicken can work in a pinch! To change the creaminess, you can use less heavy cream and add more broth. For a lighter dish, try half-and-half or milk. If you want a bolder taste, add more garlic or fresh herbs. Basil or thyme can bring a new flavor profile. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish. Feel free to experiment with spices and herbs based on your taste! You can find the Full Recipe [here](#). You can store leftover creamy broccoli chicken penne in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about three days. Make sure it cools before sealing. This helps keep the flavor intact. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stove. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm evenly. On the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps it creamy and prevents drying out. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, you can use whole wheat penne in this dish. Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and has a nutty flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Whole wheat penne may take a minute or two longer to cook. Check for doneness by tasting it. You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a blend of milk and flour. Each option changes the taste slightly, so choose what suits you best. To make this dish in a slow cooker, first, cook the chicken in a pan. After that, add the cooked chicken to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Stir in the pasta, broccoli, and sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This way, flavors blend well. No, this recipe is not gluten-free because of the penne pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta instead. Many brands offer gluten-free penne made from rice or corn. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix them with the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips. This blog post shared a tasty recipe with helpful tips. We explored the ingredients and instructions for a creamy chicken and broccoli dish. You learned how to cook pasta, sauté chicken, and make a flavorful sauce. We also covered ideas for variations and storage tips. Remember, you can customize this dish to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking and have fun experimenting with new flavors!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/97643d67-af93-4b0e-b355-d5d6a7efb84f-250x250.webp)
