Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne: Just the name conjures up images of a comforting, satisfying meal, doesn’t it? I remember the first time I tasted this dish; it was at a small Italian trattoria tucked away on a quiet side street. The aroma alone was enough to draw me in, and the first bite? Pure bliss! It was a symphony of flavors and textures that I knew I had to recreate at home.

While the exact origins of Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne are a bit hazy, it’s a dish that clearly draws inspiration from classic Italian-American comfort food. It takes the familiar flavors of creamy pasta and elevates them with the addition of healthy broccoli and protein-packed chicken. It’s a modern twist on tradition, and that’s part of what makes it so appealing.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. The creamy sauce is undeniably decadent, coating each piece of penne pasta in a velvety embrace. The broccoli adds a delightful pop of freshness and a satisfying crunch, while the chicken provides a hearty, savory element. But beyond the taste and texture, it’s also incredibly convenient. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, are you ready to experience the magic of Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne for yourself? Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Broccoli:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Creamy Sauce:
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Pasta:
• 1 lb penne pasta
• Salt for pasta water

Preparing the Chicken

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Roasting the Broccoli

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare the broccoli.
2. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated.
3. Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the broccoli in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once roasted, remove the broccoli from the oven and set it aside.

Cooking the Pasta

1. While the broccoli is roasting, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and set it aside. Don’t rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

Making the Creamy Sauce

1. Now, let’s make the creamy sauce. In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (no need to wash it!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6. Continue to stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assembling the Dish

1. Add the cooked chicken, roasted broccoli, and drained penne pasta to the creamy sauce.
2. Gently toss everything together until the pasta, chicken, and broccoli are evenly coated with the sauce.
3. Heat through for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.

Serving

1. Serve the Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne immediately.
2. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!

Conclusion:

This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy weeknight meal that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. I truly believe you’ll be hooked from the very first bite! The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in that luscious, creamy sauce, is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies your cravings while also sneaking in some healthy greens – a win-win in my book!

But what truly elevates this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Rotini or farfalle would work beautifully, capturing all that delicious sauce in their nooks and crannies. And if you’re looking to add a little extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add more broccoli or other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You could even toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of intense flavor.

Serving suggestions? This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. And for a complete meal, consider adding a side of roasted asparagus or green beans.

I know there are a million pasta recipes out there, but I genuinely think this one is special. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and healthy ingredients, and it’s so easy to customize to your own preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and give this Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne a try. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do. And please, don’t be shy! I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? Did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love.

Don’t forget to rate the recipe once you’ve tried it!

I’m always looking for ways to improve and make my recipes even better, and your ratings help me understand what you enjoy most. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Enjoy!