Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

Comfort food comes in many forms, but one of the most beloved is a creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor and satisfying textures. Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is one such dish that checks all the boxes for a wholesome, hearty, and comforting meal. Tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and al dente penne pasta are enveloped in a rich and velvety cream sauce that brings everything together into one delicious dish.

This recipe is not only an indulgent treat but also a nutritious one. Broccoli provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while chicken adds lean protein to the dish, making it a well-balanced meal. The creamy sauce, made from scratch, takes this dish to the next level, without the need for processed ingredients.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, and onion powder. Make sure to coat both sides of the chicken evenly.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown on both sides. If the chicken breasts are large or thick, you may need to cook them for a bit longer.

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3. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat and ensures the chicken stays moist.

4. Slice the Chicken: After the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

2. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Blanch the Broccoli: Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender but still crisp. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli as it will continue to cook once it is added to the sauce.

3. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the broccoli and set it aside. If desired, you can place the broccoli in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, but this step is optional.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

2. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, but be sure to reduce the heat to low once it starts bubbling to prevent it from boiling over.

3. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you want a thicker sauce, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add the slurry to the sauce while it’s simmering, and whisk to combine. The sauce should thicken after 2-3 minutes.

5. Season the Sauce: Add the dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. For an added depth of flavor, you can sprinkle in a pinch of salt, but be cautious as the Parmesan cheese already adds a salty element to the sauce.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

1. Add the Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta with the creamy Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out until it reaches your desired consistency.

2. Add the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the pan with the pasta and sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

3. Add the Broccoli: Gently fold in the blanched broccoli, being careful not to break it up too much. Stir everything together so that the broccoli is evenly mixed with the pasta, chicken, and sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken and broccoli penne into serving bowls or plates.

2. Garnish: Top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh flavor. If you like extra cheese, feel free to sprinkle additional grated Parmesan on top.

3. Enjoy: Serve immediately while the dish is hot and enjoy the rich, creamy, and comforting flavors of this easy yet indulgent pasta dish.

Tips for Success:

1. Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken with other proteins such as turkey, shrimp, or even vegetarian options like tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

2. Pasta Choices: While penne is the traditional choice, this creamy chicken and broccoli sauce pairs wonderfully with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spiralized zucchini for a low-carb version.

3. Make it Lighter: If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a combination of cream and chicken broth for a less rich sauce. Alternatively, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese and Parmesan.

4. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish. You can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

5. Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.

Conclusion:

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a versatile, comforting, and indulgent dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli come together to create a satisfying meal that’s both filling and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Yield: 4

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

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Comfort food comes in many forms, but one of the most beloved is a creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor and satisfying textures. Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is one such dish that checks all the boxes for a wholesome, hearty, and comforting meal. Tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and al dente penne pasta are enveloped in a rich and velvety cream sauce that brings everything together into one delicious dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 8 oz penne pasta (use gluten-free if needed)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta. Drain both the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Cook for 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
   
4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir in the cooked chicken, and toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Heat for another 2-3 minutes until everything is hot.
   
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately.

Notes

Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Add-ins: You can add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.