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Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne

This creamy broccoli and chicken penne dish combines tender penne pasta with cooked chicken and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a rich and savory cream sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner that’s both quick to prepare and satisfying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 People
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 large skillet or frying pan
  • 1 colander for draining pasta
  • 1 wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 set measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste none salt
  • to taste none pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Optional.
  • none none fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides and add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
  • Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
  • Add the drained penne and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. Finally, add the sliced chicken back into the skillet.
  • Give it a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

You can substitute chicken with turkey or shrimp for a different flavor.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.