Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Simple Dinner Delight

If you’re craving a quick and tasty meal, you’ve hit the jackpot! My Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne is your simple dinner delight. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. I’ll guide you through easy steps, tips, and variations to make it your own. Let’s dive in and whip up something delicious tonight!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 8 oz penne pasta

– 1 lb chicken breast, diced

– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Sauce Ingredients

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Garnish

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

To start, you need the main ingredients. First, grab some penne pasta. This shape holds the sauce well. Next, you’ll need chicken breast. Dice it into small pieces for even cooking. Fresh broccoli adds color and crunch.

For the sauce, heavy cream gives a rich taste. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice, cheesy flavor. Minced garlic brings a warm aroma.

Lastly, season your dish. Italian seasoning adds herbs. Olive oil helps with sautéing. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet touch. Fresh basil leaves make a beautiful garnish.

You can find the full recipe in the main article. Enjoy your cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To start, fill a large pot with water. Add salt to the water for flavor. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook the pasta for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want it to be al dente, firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Sautéing the Chicken

For the chicken, take a large skillet and place it on medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it heat up. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown. Make sure it’s fully cooked inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Cooking the Broccoli and Making the Cream Sauce

Use the same skillet for the broccoli. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. This will give the garlic a nice aroma. Next, toss in the broccoli florets and a splash of water. Cover the skillet and steam the broccoli for 3-4 minutes. You want it to be tender-crisp, bright green, and not mushy. After that, lower the heat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into a creamy sauce.

Final Assembly

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked chicken and penne pasta back to the skillet. If you want an extra touch, include the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Gently toss everything so it’s coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. To serve, scoop the creamy chicken penne onto plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. For the full recipe, check the section above.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Recipe

To make your dish just right, adjust the creaminess. If you want a richer sauce, add more heavy cream. For a lighter version, use less cream or substitute with milk. You can also play with flavors. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. A pinch of red pepper flakes boosts heat and adds depth.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing works best for this recipe. It gives the chicken a nice sear and keeps it juicy. Baking can dry out the chicken, so stick to sautéing. For broccoli, timing is key. Steam it until it’s bright green and tender-crisp. Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy and loses nutrients. Aim for about 3-4 minutes of steaming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overcooking the pasta. Cook it until al dente, so it holds its shape. If you overcook it, the pasta can turn mushy in the sauce. Burning garlic is another mistake. Garlic cooks fast, so keep an eye on it. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the broccoli. Perfect garlic enhances your dish without overpowering it.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can switch up the pasta shape in this dish. Try using fusilli or farfalle for a fun twist. Each shape holds the sauce differently, giving new textures. If you want to substitute proteins, consider shrimp or tofu. Both options add unique flavors and pair well with the creamy sauce.

Dietary Modifications

If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free penne. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste amazing. For a vegan version, swap the chicken with chickpeas or lentils. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the dish rich and creamy without dairy.

Flavor Enhancements

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. This little change can really spice things up! You might also mix in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach. These add color and extra nutrients to your meal. If you want more depth, try adding a splash of lemon juice. It brightens the flavors and makes every bite pop.

For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne recipe above.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

Store leftover creamy broccoli chicken penne in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. The dish lasts up to three days in the fridge. Make sure it cools down first before sealing. When ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This method helps keep the flavors intact. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, pull it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly on the stove for the best taste. You can add a splash of cream if it seems dry. For quick reheating, the microwave also works well.

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne?

The total time is 30 minutes.

– Prep time: 15 minutes

– Cook time: 15 minutes

You can cook the penne while sautéing chicken. This saves time. Always check the pasta for doneness. Aim for al dente, so it stays firm.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time.

– Cook the chicken and pasta in advance.

– Store them separately in the fridge.

– Prepare the sauce the day you serve it.

This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. Reheat the chicken and pasta together in the sauce. This helps blend the flavors well.

What can I serve with Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne?

Pair this dish with simple sides.

– Garlic bread

– Mixed green salad

– Roasted vegetables

These sides balance the creamy penne. Choose a light salad or fresh veggies for a nice contrast. For more flavor, add a sprinkle of herbs on your sides. You can find the full recipe for Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne [here](#).

This blog post covered a simple yet tasty Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne recipe. We explored the main ingredients, like penne pasta, chicken breast, and fresh broccoli. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and assembling the dish. Tips for perfecting the recipe and variations catered to different diets were included, too.

In the end, this meal is quick to prepare and easy to adapt. Enjoy making this dish your own, while impressing family and friends!

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne

Satisfy your cravings with my Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne, a simple dinner delight that's perfect for busy nights! This recipe blends tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce for a dish your family will love. Discover easy steps, tips for perfecting the recipe, and creative variations to suit your taste. Click through to explore the full recipe and whip up a delicious meal tonight!

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Ingredients

  

8 oz penne pasta

1 lb chicken breast, diced

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and a splash of water. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Make the Cream Sauce: Once the broccoli is done, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.

Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet. If using, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Toss everything gently until well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Serve: Transfer the creamy chicken penne to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4