This Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a colorful and tasty dish! It features tender chicken pieces, fresh broccoli, and delicious pasta, all paired together in a creamy sauce.
I love how quick it is to prepare on busy days. Just toss everything together, and you have a warm, filling meal that makes everyone happy. It’s a real family favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape holds sauce nicely, but you can swap it with fusilli, rigatoni, or even whole-wheat pasta if you want a healthier version. Each will add a unique texture to the dish.
Broccoli: Fresh is best for vibrant color and crunch. If you don’t have fresh broccoli, frozen florets work well, just make sure to thaw and drain them first. You could also try other veggies like spinach or asparagus.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe. You can easily use leftover rotisserie chicken or swap it for turkey if you prefer. Tofu is a great plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you might substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich. If you’re dairy-free, coconut cream can add a creamy consistency with a hint of sweetness.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan is classic, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan substitute that adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do You Get the Creamy Sauce Just Right?
Creating a creamy sauce can be tricky, but I’ve got you covered! The key is balancing the heavy cream and chicken broth carefully. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by cooking the garlic in the olive oil until fragrant to build flavor.
- When adding the heavy cream and chicken broth, stir well and let it simmer for just a few minutes. This helps it thicken.
- If the sauce gets too thick, gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess. Always add small amounts to control the consistency.
These steps will help you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce that coats your pasta and veggies beautifully!
How to Make Broccoli And Chicken Penne
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Broccoli and Chicken Penne dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. This includes 10 minutes for prep, and around 20 minutes for cooking all the wonderful ingredients together. A quick and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember, during the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, toss in the broccoli florets to cook them just enough until tender. Once done, drain both the pasta and broccoli, but make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set everything aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and fully cooked. Once it’s done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This will keep it juicy and prevent overcooking.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken up slightly. This forms a rich and creamy base for our pasta.
4. Combine Everything:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, mixing it well until melted and creamy. If you find the sauce isn’t as thick as you like, feel free to add some of that reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. After that, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta and broccoli. Gently toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is mixed and delicious, remove from heat. If you like, garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve the creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne hot, with lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy a zesty kick!
Enjoy your creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne! It’s a delightful meal that the whole family will love!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli before adding it to the pasta. You can also toss it in during the last minute or two of the pasta cooking process to warm it up.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply omit the cheese. Adjust the seasoning to balance the taste, and you’ll still have a creamy and flavorful dish!
What Should I Serve With Broccoli and Chicken Penne?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon could also complement the flavors nicely.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the pasta, chicken, and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
