Name: Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cubed; 8 oz penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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If you’re craving a comforting and delicious dinner that’s both quick and satisfying, this creamy broccoli and chicken penne is exactly what you need. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, flavorful sauce makes for a dish that feels indulgent yet is perfect for a busy weeknight. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a dish that will soon become a family favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cubed

8 oz penne pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup chicken broth

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well-coated in the creamy sauce.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Add more veggies: If you want to add even more vegetables, consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Make it spicier: For a kick, I like to add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.

Swap the protein: If you’re not in the mood for chicken, this dish also works great with shrimp or turkey.

Lighten it up: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swap in a low-sodium chicken broth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I recommend gently warming it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! If penne isn’t your favorite, you can swap it for any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream, and opt for dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare everything in advance, but I recommend assembling the dish right before serving for the best texture. If storing, keep the chicken, pasta, and sauce separate, and combine them just before reheating.

What if I don’t like broccoli?

No worries! You can swap the broccoli for any other vegetable of your choice, such as zucchini, peas, or asparagus.

Can I freeze this dish?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish for up to 1-2 months. Just be aware that the creamy sauce may separate slightly when reheating.

Conclusion

This creamy broccoli and chicken penne is a fantastic dish for any night of the week. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli come together in a way that’s both comforting and satisfying. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a meal I can rely on when I need something delicious and easy. Whether you're feeding a family or cooking for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Recipe:

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

A comforting and easy-to-make creamy broccoli and chicken penne dish, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce come together with penne pasta for a satisfying meal.

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well-coated in the creamy sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve immediately and enjoy!