Description
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne recipe is a rich and comforting pasta dish made with juicy chicken, penne pasta, and fresh broccoli, all tossed in a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this easy creamy chicken pasta is a family favorite packed with flavor and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz penne pasta
3 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne for about 8 minutes, adding the broccoli during the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer gently.
6. Stir in the parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli back to the skillet. Toss everything together until coated in the sauce.
8. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes to allow flavors to blend.
9. Serve hot with extra parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and meltability.
Don’t overcook the broccoli; keep it bright and slightly crisp.
A splash of pasta water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg