Irresistible Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne Recipe for Dinner

Penne with creamy chicken and broccoli promises a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Imagine a dish that combines tender protein with vibrant green vegetables in a luxurious sauce.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions that keep everyone happy and well-fed.

Home cooks seek recipes that balance nutrition with incredible flavor and minimal preparation time.

Rich, velvety textures mingle with hearty ingredients, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Perfectly cooked pasta serves as the ideal canvas for this irresistible culinary creation.

You can want to experience every delectable bite of this crowd-pleasing combination.

Questions About Creamy Chicken Penne

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or rigatoni. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta you choose.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or additional vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini. The creamy sauce will still taste delicious.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and chicken in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat and mix with the sauce. The dish is best consumed within 2-3 days.

• What are some ways to add more flavor to this dish?

Consider adding herbs like basil or thyme, including red pepper flakes for heat, or topping with crispy bacon bits for extra texture and flavor.

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Penne Breakdown

• This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and satisfying.
• The smooth, velvety sauce coats every pasta piece and chicken chunk, creating a luxurious eating experience that blends rich parmesan cheese with tender protein and vegetables.
• By using a single pot for cooking, this recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup and simplifies the cooking process, making it ideal for home cooks seeking efficiency without compromising on flavor.
• Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and calcium-loaded parmesan, this dish offers a well-rounded meal that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.

Penne with Creamy Chicken: What You’ll Use

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully and provides hearty texture.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the dish. Choose bright green, firm florets for the best taste.

• Chicken: Lean protein that makes the meal filling. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best.
• Whole Milk: Creamy base for the sauce that provides rich flavor. Full-fat milk recommended for optimal smoothness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances sauce depth. Freshly grated preferred over pre-packaged.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking foundation and subtle flavor. Extra virgin olive oil recommended.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that builds foundational flavor. Sweet yellow or white onions work well.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent taste to the dish. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating smooth, creamy sauce. All-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance overall dish flavors. Freshly ground black pepper suggested.

How to Cook Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Drop the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until perfectly tender. Toss the broccoli florets into the bubbling water during the pasta’s final 5 minutes of cooking. Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, then set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Onions and Garlic

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and let them dance around the pan for 2-3 minutes until they turn soft and translucent. Sprinkle in the minced garlic, along with a dash of salt and pepper. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Craft the Velvety Sauce

Dust the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking like a pro to create a silky-smooth mixture. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Blend Everything Together

• Cooked pasta
• Broccoli florets
• Shredded chicken

Ensure every morsel gets a luxurious coating of the creamy sauce. Warm everything through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Plate and Enjoy

Slide the creamy chicken and broccoli penne into a beautiful serving dish. Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top if you’re feeling indulgent. Add a final touch of salt and pepper to make the flavors pop. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Handy Tips for Chicken Penne

• Master Pasta Texture: Cook penne exactly to al dente for the perfect bite, avoiding mushy or hard noodles.
• Prevent Sauce Clumping: Whisk milk gradually and continuously to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
• Maximize Flavor Layers: Sauté onions and garlic slowly to develop deep, rich underlying taste before adding other ingredients.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Monitor sauce thickness by stirring constantly and adjusting heat to achieve creamy, not runny texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add parmesan gradually and stir gently to ensure even melting and prevent cheese from separating.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Penne

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Cooling: Let the dish cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation that could make the pasta soggy.
• Shelf Life: Consume refrigerated creamy chicken and broccoli penne within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Reheating (Stovetop): Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.
• Reheating (Microwave): Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

What Goes Well with Creamy Penne

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the creamy sauce, cutting through its richness while enhancing the chicken and broccoli flavors.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the rich, creamy pasta, balancing the dish's heaviness with bright, tangy notes.
• Serve alongside Garlic Bread: Crusty, toasted garlic bread works perfectly for soaking up the extra sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary garlic undertones.
• Complement with Light Sparkling Water: A refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lemon cleanses the palate between bites, helping to refresh the taste buds during this hearty meal.

Penne Variations You Can Try

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace the parmesan with crumbled feta cheese, add red pepper flakes, and mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Veggie Power Bowl: Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas or cubed tofu, and add extra vegetables like spinach and bell peppers for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative.
• Alfredo-Style Transformation: Enhance the sauce with cream cheese and extra heavy cream, then top with crispy bacon bits for a rich, indulgent pasta experience.
• Pesto Green Remix: Stir in homemade basil pesto instead of plain sauce, and sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for added texture and nutty flavor.

Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Penne Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners with rich, velvety sauce and tender protein. Pasta lovers savor each forkful of this satisfying one-pan meal that promises quick deliciousness without compromising flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken fillets, cooked and cut into small cubes
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups (300 grams) broccoli, cut into small florets

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generous pot of water with a pinch of salt, bringing it to a vigorous boil. Slide the penne pasta into the bubbling liquid, cooking according to package guidelines until perfectly tender. During the pasta’s final cooking moments, gently introduce broccoli florets into the water. Drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly, setting them aside momentarily.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium flame. Tumble diced onions into the pan, allowing them to soften and become translucent, stirring occasionally. Introduce minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper, and continue cooking until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Dust the sautéed aromatics with a delicate layer of flour, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Gradually pour whole milk into the mixture, whisking diligently to create a silky, smooth sauce. Maintain gentle heat, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Shower the sauce with grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and integrates seamlessly. Fold in the reserved pasta, broccoli, and chicken, ensuring each morsel becomes lovingly embraced by the creamy sauce. Allow the ingredients to meld together, warming through for a few minutes.
5. Artfully transfer the creamy concoction to a serving dish. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and invitingly creamy.

Notes

• Perfectly balanced one-pot meal combining protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates for a satisfying dinner.
• Quick and easy recipe ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknight cooking.
• Creamy parmesan sauce adds rich flavor and smooth texture without complicated ingredients.
• Can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini for variety.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
• Leftovers store well in refrigerator for 3-4 days, making excellent next-day lunch option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg