Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne is my favorite answer to chilly weeknights when you want a homemade hug in a bowl The chicken turns out so tender and the creamy sauce clings to every twist of pasta making each bite rich and satisfying Plus you only need one pan so you are not left with a pile of dishes after

The first time I made this dish my daughter asked for seconds before finishing her first helping Now it is always requested for birthdays or when we need a comforting meal after a long week

Gather Your Ingredients

• Penne pasta: brings chewy texture and holds the sauce perfectly Use bronze cut pasta for the best grip
• Olive oil: gives a fruity base note Go for extra virgin for the freshest taste
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: cooks quickly and stays juicy Fresh chicken makes a difference so buy from a local butcher if possible
• Garlic: infuses the whole dish with fragrant warmth Freshly minced garlic makes the biggest flavor impact
• Broccoli florets: add vitamins and a fresh crunch Bright green heads with tight buds are freshest
• Chicken broth: brings savory backbone Choose low sodium if you want to control salt
• Heavy cream: makes the sauce silky and rich Choose real cream for best results
• Milk: balances the cream and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy Whole milk is best but two percent works too
• Parmesan cheese: adds nutty savory punch Grate it yourself for creamiest melting
• Mozzarella cheese: makes the sauce deliciously stretchy and smooth Fresh mozzarella will give best melt and pull
• Italian seasoning: offers classic herb flavor Make your own with equal parts oregano basil and thyme
• Salt and black pepper: tie it all together Use kosher salt and freshly ground pepper for best flavor
• Fresh parsley: lends a burst of color and garden brightness Always choose leafy bunches with no wilt

How to Make It

Boil the Pasta:

Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water until just al dente about eleven minutes Stir often to keep noodles from sticking Drain and set aside but save half a cup of pasta water

Brown the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil over medium high in a large deep skillet Add chicken cubes and sprinkle with a touch of paprika salt and pepper Let them cook without moving for three minutes to get a golden crust Flip and cook two more minutes until no longer pink inside Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm

Build the Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium and in the same skillet add minced garlic Stir constantly for one minute until it smells sweet and just begins to color Pour in chicken broth heavy cream and milk Stir together and let simmer gently three to four minutes so flavors meld

Melt Cheeses:

Add grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella to the skillet Whisk until both cheeses completely melt and the sauce turns glossy and smooth The sauce should coat a spoon but still drip off

Season and Add Broccoli:

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning plus salt and pepper to taste Stir in broccoli florets and let them simmer in the sauce for three to four minutes until just tender and bright green

Combine Pasta and Chicken:

Return cooked pasta and the browned chicken to the skillet Toss everything together making sure pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce gets too thick

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the finished dish along with extra Parmesan if you like Serve warm and pair with garlic bread for a complete comfort meal

Broccoli is one of my favorite vegetables for pasta dishes because it soaks up flavor and adds a fresh pop of color I still remember my grandmother carefully picking out the brightest broccoli at the market for her pasta casseroles and her little trick of adding a splash of broccoli cooking water to the sauce for extra flavor

Flavor Boosters

Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat or finish with a squeeze of lemon for added freshness Toasted pine nuts or sun dried tomatoes can also be stirred in for an extra pop of flavor and color

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad Top with toasted pine nuts or sun dried tomatoes for extra flavor Add a side of grapes or citrus slices to balance the richness

Creative Twists

Swap in cauliflower florets for broccoli or use rotisserie chicken for speed In spring replace broccoli with asparagus tips and fresh peas In fall add sautéed mushrooms and a pinch of nutmeg Fresh cherry tomatoes can lighten the dish in late summer

This pasta is perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner with the whole family Leftovers are just as creamy and delicious the next day

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do you keep the sauce creamy and smooth?

Whisk cheeses into the simmering cream slowly and stir constantly to prevent clumping for a silky texture.

→ Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, cooked turkey or even sautéed shrimp pair well with the cream sauce and broccoli.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth; stir often to keep the sauce smooth.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Frozen broccoli works well; just add it directly to the simmering sauce and cook until tender.

→ How can I lighten the dish?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use less cheese for a lighter version, or add extra veggies.