Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne is a delightful dish that brings creamy comfort food to your table. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce over penne pasta creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Creamy: The blend of heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheeses creates a rich sauce that complements the chicken and broccoli perfectly.
• Versatile Meal: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite vegetables to customize this recipe to your taste.
• Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This creamy chicken and broccoli penne tastes just as good the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious dish, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking pasta evenly until al dente while also allowing space for adding broccoli.
• Skillet: Great for sautéing the chicken and creating the creamy sauce without needing multiple pans.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 8 oz (225g) penne pasta

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

For Flavoring

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking:
1. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water.
2. Drain everything together once done and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet:
1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet:
1. Melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; stir in cream cheese until smooth.

Step 4: Add Cheeses

Add grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Italian seasoning:
1. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Toss in the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken:
1. Stir until all ingredients are well coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired before serving hot!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne

Serving creamy chicken and broccoli penne can elevate your dining experience. This dish is rich and satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy family meal or a delightful dinner party.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Garlic bread complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Toast slices of your favorite bread topped with garlic butter for a crunchy side.

Add a Simple Salad

• Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast. Use crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and a light dressing to balance the richness of the pasta.

Include Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables add color and flavor. Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini roasted in olive oil make for a healthy side.

Offer Grated Cheese on Top

• Extra grated cheese enhances the dish’s creaminess. Set out Parmesan or mozzarella for guests to sprinkle on their servings.

Serve with Lemon Wedges

• Lemon wedges add a zesty brightness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the pasta can enhance all the flavors.

Provide Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

• Crushed red pepper flakes let guests customize their heat level. Offer this on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne

Creating the perfect creamy chicken and broccoli penne involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to enhance this delicious dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli florets will provide better texture and flavor than frozen ones.
• Cook pasta al dente: This prevents mushiness and helps the pasta hold up against the creamy sauce.
• Sauté garlic carefully: Ensure garlic is fragrant but not burned; burnt garlic can lead to bitterness.
• Adjust sauce thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season throughout: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to achieve balanced flavors.
• Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne

Complementing creamy chicken and broccoli penne with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic perfectly complement the richness of the penne.
2. Steamed Green Beans – Bright green beans add freshness; steam them lightly for crunch.
3. Caprese Salad – Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella offer a refreshing contrast to your pasta.
4. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and herbs provides protein and balances flavors.
5. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil adds an Italian touch.
6. Zucchini Noodles – Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles create an inventive twist while keeping things healthy.
7. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn adds crunch; grill or boil it for simplicity.
8. Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide heartiness alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking a delicious Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne can be simple, but certain mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using Overcooked Pasta: Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture. Always cook the penne until al dente and drain it promptly.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Failing to season your chicken or sauce will lead to bland flavors. Always add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning generously to enhance taste.
• Skipping the Broccoli: Neglecting to add broccoli during the pasta cooking step means missing out on flavor and nutrition. Remember to add it in during the last two minutes of cooking.
• Ignoring Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, it won’t coat the pasta well. Adjust with more cream cheese or reduce the sauce longer on low heat until thickened.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much chicken at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary for that golden crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne

• Place in a freezer-safe container.
• Consume within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between them until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for heavy cream in Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version without losing creaminess.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works great! Just toss it in during the last two minutes of pasta cooking like fresh broccoli.

How do I make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne gluten-free?

Use gluten-free penne pasta as a perfect substitute while keeping other ingredients unchanged.

Can I customize the protein in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken with turkey or even beef based on your preference for delicious results.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins according to your taste. Give it a try for your next dinner; you won’t be disappointed!