Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli & Peppers

The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli is the perfect marriage of tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and crisp-tender broccoli florets, all enveloped in a luxuriously rich and savory cream sauce. We’ll show you why this isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a 30-minute chicken pasta meal that delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort. Forget takeout – this is comfort food at its finest, made right in your kitchen, offering a delightful twist on a classic creamy chicken broccoli pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a meal; it’s a solution to your busy weeknight dilemmas. Here’s why our Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli will quickly become a cherished family favorite:

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy schedules, this entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it one of the best weeknight dinner ideas and a truly quick and easy pasta recipe.
• Family-Friendly: The luscious creamy sauce and familiar flavors are a guaranteed hit with both adults and kids, ensuring clean plates every time. It’s a truly family friendly pasta recipe.
• Balanced Meal, Easy Cleanup: You get your protein, carbs, and essential veggies all in a single main skillet (aside from the pasta pot!), making cleanup a breeze. It’s a nearly one-pot chicken penne broccoli experience.
• Customizable: We’ll share plenty of ideas for variations and add-ins so you can make this chicken and broccoli penne recipe uniquely your own.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and a perfectly seasoned cream sauce makes every bite irresistible. This truly is a best chicken penne recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed look at what makes this Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli so delicious. We’ll cover the core components and why each one is important for achieving that perfect creamy texture and savory depth.

For the Pasta and Protein:

• Penne Pasta: The ridges and tube shape are perfect for holding onto every drop of the luscious sauce.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating. It’s the star protein of this easy chicken pasta dish, forming the hearty base of your Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli.
• Olive Oil & Butter: A combination for sautéing that adds rich flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully.

For the Vegetables:

• Broccoli Florets: Provides a fresh, earthy crunch that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. These fresh elements bring vibrant color and nutrition to our Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli, making it a delicious chicken pasta with vegetables.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, making the dish visually appealing and adding another layer of flavor.
• Garlic & Onion: The aromatic foundation for any great savory sauce, delivering deep, comforting notes in this garlic chicken broccoli pasta.

For the Creamy Sauce:

• Heavy Cream: The essential ingredient for an ultra-rich and stable sauce that won’t curdle, ensuring a velvety smooth texture in your creamy pasta sauce recipe.
• Chicken Broth: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency and adds a vital layer of umami depth.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that essential salty, nutty flavor that defines a classic cream sauce, making it a true parmesan chicken pasta.
• Seasonings: Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle, delightful kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfect Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli every time. With just a few basic techniques, you’ll master this quick and easy dinner, learning how to make creamy chicken pasta that rivals restaurant versions.

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This is your secret weapon for thickening and loosening your sauce later!

2. Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You’re building the first layer of flavor for your Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli.

3. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits add flavor!), melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Now, add the broccoli florets and a splash (about ¼ cup) of chicken broth. Cover the skillet and let them steam for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender and vibrant green. The addition of vegetables makes this a truly balanced Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli.

4. Create the Creamy Sauce

Uncover the skillet. Pour in the remaining chicken broth and the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and luxurious. Season with salt, pepper, and those red pepper flakes to taste, creating your perfect creamy pasta sauce recipe. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into the star sauce of your Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli.

5. Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained penne pasta. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the luscious Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Result

Elevate your Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli from great to absolutely unforgettable with these expert insights:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly when you add it to the hot sauce, preventing mushy pasta.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: This is a game-changer for any parmesan chicken pasta. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. A block of Parmesan grated fresh will melt much more smoothly and lend a superior flavor.
• Reserve That Pasta Water: The starchy water is truly liquid gold! Its starch helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta and gives it a silky, emulsified texture. It’s a non-negotiable step for a perfect, restaurant-quality sauce.
• Get a Good Sear on the Chicken: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This ensures it gets a nice golden-brown crust, which adds a ton of savory depth and visual appeal to your chicken and broccoli penne recipe. Cook in batches if necessary.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli recipe is its versatility. Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity with these delicious ideas:

Protein Swaps:

• Shrimp: For a seafood twist, add cooked shrimp at the very end, tossing until just warmed through.
• Italian Sausage: Use crumbled, cooked Italian sausage (mild or spicy) for a heartier, more robust flavor profile in your creamy chicken broccoli pasta.
• Leftover Chicken: This is an excellent leftover chicken pasta recipe! Simply shred or dice cooked chicken and add it in step 5.

Vegetable Add-ins:

• Mushrooms: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions for an earthy depth.
• Spinach: Wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the very end for extra greens.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Add a pop of tangy, sweet flavor and beautiful color. They pair wonderfully with a creamy tomato chicken pasta vibe.
• Other Veggies: Consider adding peas, asparagus, or even some diced zucchini for a more diverse chicken pasta with vegetables.

Make it Spicy:

Increase the red pepper flakes in the sauce, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick that will awaken your taste buds. This makes for a delightful creamy chicken and pepper pasta.

Make it a Pasta Bake:

For a fantastic variation, transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top generously with shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. This transforms it into a comforting chicken broccoli pasta bake, similar to a chicken alfredo with broccoli bake.

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Penne

While our Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli is a wonderfully complete meal on its own, a few simple accompaniments can round out the experience perfectly. Here are some great serving suggestions for your penne with chicken and broccoli in cream sauce:

• Garlic Bread or Crusty Ciabatta: Absolutely essential for soaking up every last bit of that heavenly cream sauce.
• A Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans: A quick side of roasted vegetables complements the dish wonderfully, adding another layer of healthy goodness.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Enjoying your Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli leftovers is easy with these tips:

• Storage: Store any leftover creamy chicken broccoli pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate or thicken when reheated. The best way to restore its creamy glory is in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk, chicken broth, or even a little extra heavy cream (1-2 tablespoons) to loosen the sauce and restore its smooth, creamy consistency as you gently stir. Microwaving is an option, but stir frequently and add liquid as needed.
• Freezing: We generally do not recommend freezing this dish. Dairy-based sauces tend to become grainy and separate upon thawing and reheating, compromising the lovely texture of your creamy chicken pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I keep the cream sauce from separating?

The key is to use full-fat heavy cream, as its higher fat content makes it more stable. Always bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and avoid rapid boiling, which can shock the dairy and cause it to break. Adding Parmesan cheese off the heat or at a low simmer also helps.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, absolutely! You can add frozen broccoli florets directly to the skillet with the other vegetables in step 3. You may need to cook them a minute or two longer to ensure they are fully heated through and crisp-tender.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a slightly lighter sauce, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be less rich and a bit thinner. For a non-dairy option, full-fat canned coconut milk can be used, though it will impart a subtle coconut flavor that changes the dish’s profile. Evaporated milk is another good option for richness with less fat.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To lighten up your creamy chicken penne broccoli, you can swap heavy cream for evaporated milk or half-and-half, or even a mix of milk and a cornstarch slurry. Use whole wheat penne for extra fiber, and don’t hesitate to load it up with even more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or extra broccoli. Reducing the amount of cheese or using a low-fat cheese alternative can also help make it a healthy chicken broccoli pasta.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and easy to work with, cooking quickly and absorbing flavors well. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also a fantastic option; they are more forgiving if slightly overcooked and tend to stay incredibly juicy and flavorful.

Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli Recipe Card

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Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Penne Broccoli is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy nights when you crave something comforting, wholesome, and utterly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. We hope this easy chicken pasta dish becomes a regular in your rotation, bringing joy and gourmet flavor to your dinner table. Don’t forget to leave a comment and a rating below – we love hearing how our recipes turn out for you!