Broccoli and Chicken Penne

There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy penne that brings comfort to even the dreariest of days. Picture this: a steaming bowl of creamy broccoli and chicken penne, its aromas wafting through your kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly evening. delicious chicken sandwich recipe The rich, velvety sauce clings lovingly to each piece of pasta, promising an explosion of flavor with every bite. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini recipe.

I remember the first time I whipped up this dish; my kitchen transformed into a culinary battlefield. I was trying to impress friends with my “chef skills,” but little did I know it would turn into a delightful comedy show. Between dodging flying broccoli and ensuring my sauce didn’t resemble cement, we ended up in fits of laughter while creating unforgettable memories. It’s the perfect meal for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends, promising smiles and full bellies all around.

When I made this for my family last week, the kids’ eyes lit up like Christmas morning; they devoured every last bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender pieces are key; about 3-4 will do depending on your crowd size.
• Fresh Broccoli: Look for bright green florets for the best texture and flavor.
• Penne Pasta: Use whole grain or gluten-free options if desired; both work great. fresh and zesty pasta salad.
• Heavy Cream: For that rich creaminess that ties everything together perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is ideal; it adds an irresistible depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Use fresh cloves minced for an aromatic punch that elevates the dish.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté the chicken to golden perfection.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust according to your taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients and slice your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop your broccoli into small florets so they cook evenly.

Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown and no longer pink inside—about 6-8 minutes should do it.

Sauté the Broccoli: Toss in the chopped broccoli with minced garlic once the chicken is cooked. Sauté until vibrant green and tender-crisp—roughly 4-5 minutes will work wonders here.

Add Creaminess: Pour heavy cream into the skillet along with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until everything is beautifully combined and warmed through—just a couple of minutes should suffice.

Cook the Penne: Meanwhile, boil your penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss into the creamy skillet mixture once ready.

Toss It All Together: Gently fold everything together until each piece of pasta is coated in that luxuriously creamy sauce. rich and creamy pasta dish Serve immediately while it’s still hot, garnished with extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by sautéing the chicken until golden brown, then boil the penne while preparing your creamy sauce with garlic and broccoli. pasta with a flavorful twist This sequence keeps everything fresh and flavorful.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out penne for your favorite pasta shape or add ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Experimenting keeps things exciting!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to revive creaminess.

Sharing this recipe always brings fond memories, especially when my niece devoured two servings and declared it “the best thing ever.” Moments like these make cooking worthwhile!

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli in creamy broccoli and chicken penne?

For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs recipe.

Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just adjust cooking time slightly.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using whole grain pasta and reducing cream for a lighter version.

What can I serve with creamy broccoli and chicken penne?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

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• Author: Gordon Calloway
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich penne pasta in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed with comforting flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

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• 3 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by dicing chicken and chopping broccoli into small florets.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic and chopped broccoli to the skillet. Sauté until broccoli is tender-crisp (4-5 minutes).
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese until well combined and heated through (2 minutes).
5. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente; drain and add to the skillet, tossing to coat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg