When I’m in need of some cozy comfort food, my go-to is always this Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. Picture this: tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne all swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s not just delicious; it’s also quick to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this for my family; their eyes lit up as the aroma filled the house. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner table! So, let’s dive in and create this delightful pasta dish together!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients for the Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne. You’ll find that they come together beautifully to create a dish that’s comforting and full of flavor!
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, whichever you prefer!)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups heavy cream (for that rich, velvety sauce)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (use freshly grated for the best flavor!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the chicken to golden perfection)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on seasoning!)
Once you have these goodies ready, you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious meal that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to whip up your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne in no time. Just remember to keep an eye on the clock, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy!
- First, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to salt the water for flavor! Once done, drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. This is where the magic begins!
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. You want those delicious bits of flavor to develop!
- Once the chicken is looking good, stir in the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, just until the broccoli turns bright green and is tender but still has a bit of crunch.
- Now it’s time to pour in that luscious heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting those flavors meld together.
- Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s all melted and blended into the creamy sauce. Oh wow, the smell is incredible!
- Now, toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir it well to make sure every piece of pasta is coated in that heavenly sauce.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a taste test—you deserve it! Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne hot, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
And there you have it! A delightful dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Enjoy sharing it with family or savoring it all by yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne is truly a gem in my recipe collection, and I can’t wait for you to experience its goodness! Here are just a few reasons why I think you’ll fall head over heels for it:
- Quick to prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can have this delicious dish on the table. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Comforting and flavorful: The creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli creates a dish that feels like a warm hug.
- Family-friendly dish: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike—everyone loves pasta, right?
- Versatile and adaptable: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or even change up the protein to suit your taste!
Honestly, I love how this dish brings everyone together, making dinner time a little more special. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to share! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your dish to a whole new level.
- Use quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality chicken and real Parmesan cheese make a big difference in flavor. If you can, go for freshly grated cheese—it’s creamier and adds a beautiful richness!
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: You want it tender but still with a bit of crunch for texture. Trust me, it adds a delightful bite to the dish!
- Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken up. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Season as you go: Taste your sauce as you cook! A pinch of salt and pepper here and there can really elevate the flavors, so don’t be shy with seasoning.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic: Garlic is an essential flavor in this dish, so make sure to use fresh garlic and not powdered. It brings that lovely aromatic punch that complements the creaminess beautifully!
With these tips in your pocket, you’re all set to impress your family (or yourself!) with this delightful pasta dish. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the things I absolutely love about my Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne is how versatile it is! You can easily mix things up and make it your own with just a few tweaks. Here are some fun variations to spark your creativity in the kitchen:
- Veggie overload: Add in other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even peas for an extra burst of color and nutrition. You can use whatever you have on hand!
- Pasta swap: Try using different pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or even whole wheat penne. Each type brings its own unique texture to the dish!
- Protein alternatives: Switch out the chicken for shrimp, diced turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. The creamy sauce pairs well with just about any protein you choose!
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley can really elevate the flavor. Toss in some chopped fresh herbs right before serving for a pop of freshness!
- Spice it up: If you love a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy twist.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combination. The beauty of this dish is that it can adapt to whatever you’re in the mood for. Happy cooking, and enjoy making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a big batch of that delicious Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne and now you have some leftovers? No worries at all! This dish keeps pretty well and can be enjoyed later without sacrificing any of that creamy goodness.
To store your leftovers, let the pasta cool down to room temperature first. Then, pop it into an airtight container. I usually like to store it in single-serving portions, so it’s super easy to grab and go for a quick meal later. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to keep that lovely flavor locked in!
When you’re ready to enjoy your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne again, reheating is a breeze. You can either microwave it or warm it up on the stovetop:
- Microwave: Simply transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a lid or a paper towel (to prevent splattering), and heat it in increments of 1 minute until it’s warmed through. Stir halfway to ensure even heating!
- Stovetop: If you prefer reheating on the stovetop, toss the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. You might want to add a splash of milk or a bit more cream to loosen up the sauce as it heats. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through.
And voilà! You’ve got a comforting meal ready to enjoy all over again. Just a little tip—if you find the sauce has thickened too much during storage, don’t hesitate to add a bit more cream or milk while reheating to get that perfect creamy texture back. Enjoy your leftovers!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things for my Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re just estimates, not exact numbers. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 650
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
These numbers can help you make informed choices, whether you’re counting calories or just curious about what’s in your dish. Enjoy every creamy bite, knowing it’s packed with flavor and goodness!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne? No worries! I’ve got answers to some of the most common queries I hear. Let’s dive in!
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in this dish. Just toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking with the garlic so it warms through. It’s a convenient option that still delivers delicious results!
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or even a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. Just be cautious with cooking times, as lighter creams can curdle if boiled too long.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein, like chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms, and keep the rest of the recipe the same. You’ll still get that creamy goodness without the meat!
How should I store leftovers?
To store your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne, let it cool down first, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 days. Just remember to reheat it gently to maintain that creamy sauce!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Cook the pasta and chop the chicken and broccoli earlier in the day, then just combine and cook when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great way to save time during busy weeknights!
Hopefully, that clears up any questions you might have had! Feel free to reach out if anything else pops up as you whip up this creamy delight!
Print
Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne: 7 Steps to Comfort Food
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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