Cozy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe for Comfort Meals

Comfort meets nutrition in this hearty broccoli and chicken penne recipe that promises a delightful balance of flavors.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with crisp broccoli florets, creating a wholesome meal packed with protein and greens.

Each forkful delivers a satisfying blend of perfectly cooked pasta and savory ingredients.

The dish comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution.

Seasonings add depth and complexity to the simple yet delicious combination of chicken and broccoli.

Robust and filling, this penne promises to become a go-to meal that will keep you energized and satisfied.

Prepare to be impressed by how quickly this nutritious recipe can transform your dinner routine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 564 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Penne Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape that perfectly captures creamy sauce, choose high-quality durum wheat variety for best texture.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh, vibrant green vegetable adding nutritional boost and delightful crunch, select firm and bright green florets.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein providing hearty substance, opt for free-range or organic chicken for richer flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder: Essential spice blend creating depth and aromatic warmth, use freshly ground spices for maximum taste.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking base with rich Mediterranean flavor, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and silky texture to sauce, select unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
• Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic foundation, select fresh cloves for most robust flavor.
• Flour: Creates smooth thickening agent for sauce, use all-purpose white flour for consistent results.
• Chicken Broth: Builds savory liquid base with deep flavor, prefer low-sodium for better seasoning control.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers incredible velvety texture, select high-fat content cream for most luxurious sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty complexity, choose freshly grated for most authentic taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and exciting flavor dimension, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish providing color and herbal note, select crisp, vibrant leaves.

Tools That Help Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta and broccoli together.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken and making creamy sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta and broccoli after cooking.
• Cutting board: Used for preparing chicken and chopping garlic.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for cutting chicken and chopping herbs.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings.
• Whisk: Crucial for creating smooth roux and blending sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients.

How to Cook Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Smoothly

• Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Drop penne into a pot of salted water and cook until tender. Toss broccoli florets into the water during the final two minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

• Sizzle Chicken Pieces

Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken with seasonings until golden and fully cooked. Remove from pan and keep warm.

• Craft Creamy Sauce

Melt butter and sauté garlic briefly. Whisk in flour to create a smooth base. Gradually pour chicken broth and cream, stirring constantly. Add Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Simmer until sauce thickens.

• Combine and Finish

Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss everything in the velvety sauce. Warm through for another minute or two.

• Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Plate immediately and savor the delicious blend of flavors.

Add-Ins to Enhance Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

• Replace regular salt with herb-infused salt or salt-free seasoning blends to reduce sodium content while maintaining rich flavor profiles.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free version that doesn't compromise taste.
• Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, storing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Quickly reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta for a speedy weeknight dinner.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like roasted bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add extra color and texture to the dish.
• Use gluten-free penne pasta and replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder when creating the roux to make this recipe completely gluten-free without losing the creamy sauce's consistency.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Hot

• Garden Party Plating: Arrange the pasta on a large white platter with fresh herb sprigs scattered around the edges for a restaurant-style presentation that looks elegant and fresh.
• Weeknight Dinner Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to transform this one-pan meal into a complete, satisfying dinner that pleases the whole family.
• Wine and Dine Moment: Complement the creamy pasta with a chilled glass of unoaked Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio that balances the richness of the sauce and enhances the chicken's flavor.
• Leftover Magic: Store in an airtight container for quick next-day lunches, adding a splash of extra chicken broth when reheating to restore the sauce's creamy consistency.

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Meal Prep Advice

• Seal cooled leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Package meal in freezer-safe containers, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain sauce consistency.
• Warm gently in microwave with splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce separation.
• Prepare chicken and chop broccoli in advance, storing separately in sealed containers. Cook pasta and assemble dish just before serving to maximize flavor and texture quality.

Hearty Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli and chicken penne blends hearty Italian-inspired flavors with comforting textures. Packed with nutrition and rich taste, this simple one-pot wonder delivers delightful satisfaction you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook penne according to package directions, adding broccoli florets during the final 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and reserve.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked, then remove from pan.
3. Sauce Development: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic briefly. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually incorporate chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Blend in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
4. Final Assembly: Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat with creamy sauce. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is warmed through.
5. Serving Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, creamy texture and harmonious flavors.

Notes

• Cook penne al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring it retains a slight bite when mixed with sauce.
• Add broccoli during pasta’s final cooking minutes to preserve vibrant green color and maintain crisp texture.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve golden-brown exterior and lock in maximum flavor.
• Whisk roux and liquid ingredients gradually to prevent lumps, creating a silky, restaurant-quality cream sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg