Description

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting and delicious weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente penne pasta, vibrant broccoli florets, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning. It’s a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and indulgent sauce that comes together quickly on the stovetop for an easy yet impressive meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

8 oz Penne Pasta
2 cups Broccoli Florets

Chicken and Seasonings

1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
1 tbsp Olive Oil
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian Seasoning (optional)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Sauce

1 cup Heavy Cream
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped

Instructions

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain both pasta and broccoli and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Create the Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
Combine Ingredients: Add the drained penne and broccoli back into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. Fold in the sliced chicken pieces, allowing everything to warm through.
Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while creamy and warm.

Notes

You can substitute broccoli with cauliflower or fresh spinach for variety.
Chicken breasts can be replaced with turkey breast or shrimp to suit preferences.
For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan alternative.
Adjust the amount of garlic and seasoning to your taste preference.
Resting the chicken after cooking ensures juicy slices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner, Easy Pasta Recipe, Cream Sauce, One-Pan Meal