This delightful Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a creamy pasta dish that’s packed with goodies! It features tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and yummy penne pasta all in one bowl.
Cooking this dish is a breeze! I love how it’s a perfect way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying a comforting meal. Plus, it’s always a hit during family dinners! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This shape is perfect for holding the sauce. If penne isn’t handy, you can swap it with rigatoni, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add color and nutrition. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli works well too; just add it to the boiling water for an extra minute.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. For a twist, you could use thighs for more flavor, or try shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. If you’re watching calories, you might use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative, although the texture will change slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better but pre-grated works in a pinch. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken to the perfect tenderness can be tricky. Here’s how to ensure your chicken is both juicy and flavorful.
- Start with a medium-high heat to get a nice sear. This adds flavor!
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Cook until golden on the outside and no longer pink in the center, which usually takes 5-7 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C).
Remember, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep the juices inside, keeping it moist.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Sauce?
The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish. Here’s how to achieve the perfect consistency and flavor:
- After sautéing garlic, pour in the heavy cream and keep stirring. This helps prevent it from scorching.
- Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, don’t let it boil vigorously!
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. This allows the cheese to blend smoothly into the cream.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the pasta cooking water to loosen it.
This technique ensures your sauce is deliciously creamy and evenly coats all the pasta and chicken!
How to Make Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Veggies:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For The Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon wedge (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful dish takes about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing everything and cooking the pasta and chicken. Don’t worry, the steps are easy and quick, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
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 it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Once done, drain both the pasta and broccoli together, and set them 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. Season them with salt, pepper, and half of the dried Italian seasoning. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Next, pour in the heavy cream and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is nice and smooth. Season the sauce with the remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked chicken, penne pasta, and broccoli into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Heat it all through for about 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed up.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is combined and heated through, remove it from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. If you like, serve it with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra zing. Enjoy your delicious and creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient option. Just add it to the boiling pasta water for the last 2-3 minutes as you would with fresh, ensuring it’s heated through before draining.
Can I Substitute Chicken Breast for Another Protein?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Alternatively, grilled shrimp or cooked sausage can work well too, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative, like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if it’s too thick.
