Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne

This creamy broccoli and chicken penne has transformed my weeknight dinner routine with its perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. The velvety Parmesan sauce coats every bite while tender chicken chunks and fresh broccoli florets add substance and color to this family-favorite pasta dish.

I first created this recipe when my children started turning their noses up at plain broccoli. The creamy sauce and pasta combination became our compromise and now they request this dish almost weekly even asking for extra broccoli.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta ideal for catching the creamy sauce in its ridges and tubes
• Chicken breasts provides lean protein and takes on flavors beautifully
• Broccoli florets adds vibrant color essential nutrients and a pleasing texture
• Garlic freshly minced for that aromatic foundation of flavor
• Heavy cream creates the luxurious base for our sauce use full fat for best results
• Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce while helping to steam the broccoli
• Parmesan cheese use freshly grated for optimal melting and authentic flavor
• Italian seasoning a time saving blend that adds herbal complexity
• Salt and pepper essential for bringing all flavors to life
• Fresh parsley optional but adds a bright fresh finish to the rich dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente about 9 to 11 minutes depending on your brand. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help thin the sauce later if needed.

Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add bite sized chicken pieces and season generously with Italian seasoning salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a golden crust then stir and continue cooking until chicken reaches 165°F internally about 5 minutes total. Remove chicken to a plate but keep all the flavorful bits in the pan.

Cook the Broccoli

Reduce heat to medium and add chicken broth to the same skillet scraping up any browned bits. Add broccoli florets and cover with a lid to steam until bright green and fork tender about 4 minutes. The broccoli should retain some firmness as it will continue cooking with the sauce.

Create the Cream Sauce

Push broccoli to the sides of the pan and add a touch more oil if needed. Add minced garlic to the center and cook just until fragrant about 30 seconds being careful not to burn it. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese in handfuls allowing each addition to melt before adding more. This creates a smooth sauce without clumping.

Combine Everything

Return chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick add splashes of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving bowls and sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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My personal secret to this dish is grating the Parmesan myself rather than using pre grated varieties. The difference in meltability creates that perfectly smooth sauce that clings to every bite. My daughter now judges all pasta dishes against this one calling it our special restaurant meal at home.

Make Ahead Options

This penne dish can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to revitalize the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight making this an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks.

Smart Substitutions

While this recipe shines with chicken and broccoli it welcomes creative variations. Swap chicken for Italian sausage for a more robust flavor profile or use shrimp for a quicker cooking seafood option. Vegetarians can substitute mushrooms or tofu for similar texture and protein. The broccoli can be replaced with asparagus spinach or peas depending on seasonal availability. For a lighter version substitute half the cream with additional chicken broth and reduce the Parmesan slightly.

Perfect Pairings

This creamy pasta stands beautifully on its own but a few thoughtful accompaniments can elevate the meal. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a peppery contrast to the rich pasta. Warm crusty bread or garlic knots make excellent vehicles for soaking up extra sauce. For wine pairing choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy texture without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I substitute the chicken in this pasta dish?

Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Shrimp will cook even faster than chicken (about 2-3 minutes per side), while firm tofu should be pressed, cubed, and sautéed until golden. Both alternatives work well with the creamy Parmesan sauce.

→ How can I make this broccoli pasta dish spicier?

To add heat to this creamy pasta, incorporate red pepper flakes during the garlic sautéing stage. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your preference. Alternatively, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce, or serve with hot sauce on the side for each person to customize their heat level.

→ Can I make this creamy penne ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare it up to a day ahead. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce's consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking or the pasta from becoming mushy.

→ What sides pair well with broccoli chicken penne?

This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or focaccia makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up the creamy sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, consider starting with a light antipasto or tomato bruschetta.

→ Is there a way to make this pasta dish lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a tablespoon of flour for the heavy cream. You can also increase the ratio of broccoli to pasta, use whole wheat penne for added fiber, and reduce the amount of Parmesan while adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this dish. There's no need to thaw it first—simply add it directly to the pan when steaming, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Frozen broccoli may release more water, so you might want to reduce the amount of chicken broth accordingly.