Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Cooking the Chicken and Broccoli
Now, let’s bring those ingredients to life with some heat and seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. The aromatic blend infuses the chicken with warm, herbaceous flavors.
- Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Steam the Broccoli:
- In the same skillet, add ½ cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the broccoli florets, cover, and let them steam for 3–4 minutes until tender yet crisp. Steaming the broccoli in the same pan enhances its flavor by absorbing the seasoned broth.
These steps ensure the chicken is juicy and the broccoli retains its vibrant color and texture, setting the stage for the creamy sauce.
Making the Creamy Sauce
Here comes the star of the dish: the silky, Parmesan-infused sauce.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should smell aromatic and golden.
- Create the Cream Base:
- Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir, letting it heat gently.
- Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce. The cheese adds a nutty richness that balances the cream.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken. If the sauce is too thin, add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 teaspoon each) and whisk until the desired consistency is reached.
Pro Tip: Keep the heat low to prevent the cream from separating and the cheese from clumping.
Combining Everything
It’s time to bring it all together for a dish that’s as cohesive in flavor as it is comforting.
- Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back into the skillet, letting them soak up the creamy sauce.
- Toss in the drained pasta, stirring until everything is evenly coated in the luscious sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.
Every bite should be a perfect blend of creamy sauce, juicy chicken, tender pasta, and vibrant broccoli.
Finishing Touches and Presentation
The final details elevate this dish from a simple dinner to a show-stopping meal.
- Garnish for Flair:
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Grate extra Parmesan on top for an indulgent finish.
- Serve Warm:
- For the best experience, serve the pasta warm in bowls or on plates. To maintain the creamy consistency, avoid letting the dish sit for too long before serving.
- Presentation Tips:
- Serve family-style in the skillet for a rustic, inviting look.
- For individual servings, garnish with a sprig of parsley or a lemon wedge on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Occasions and Pairings
This creamy broccoli and chicken penne is perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Weeknight Comfort: It’s the ultimate comfort food for a cozy family dinner after a long day. Its rich, creamy sauce and wholesome ingredients make it both satisfying and nourishing.
- Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to prepare and transport, this dish is a hit at potlucks and gatherings. Serve it warm in a casserole dish for easy sharing.
- Meal-Prep Champion: This pasta stores and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Pack portions into containers for quick, delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week.
For a complete meal, pair this dish with:
- A Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing side of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread or dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
Presentation Ideas
Presentation is everything when serving this beautiful dish. Here are some ideas to make it shine:
- Rustic Charm: Serve the pasta directly from the skillet to emphasize its homemade, comforting appeal.
- Elegant Touch: Plate individual servings on white plates or shallow bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for vibrant pops of color.
- Family-Style Warmth: Serve in a large dish at the center of the table, encouraging everyone to dig in and share.
These presentation tips will ensure your dish looks just as irresistible as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about this creamy broccoli and chicken penne:
- Indulgent yet Balanced: The velvety Parmesan sauce is rich and creamy, yet the broccoli adds a burst of freshness and a touch of crunch.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone seeking a fuss-free meal.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein, veggies, and whole grains, it’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike. The creamy sauce and mild flavors appeal to even the pickiest eaters.
Whether for a quick dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Recipe FAQ
Cooking Tips
- Avoid Overcooking Broccoli: Steam the broccoli just until it’s tender-crisp. This keeps it vibrant and prevents it from turning mushy.
- Prevent Sauce Curdling: Keep the heat low when adding the cream and cheese to avoid separating the sauce.
- Season Strategically: Season the chicken during cooking and adjust the seasoning of the sauce at the end for the best balance of flavors.
Troubleshooting
- Watery Sauce: Simmer the sauce a little longer to thicken it, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water) for extra thickening.
- Sticky Pasta: Toss the pasta with a small amount of olive oil after draining to keep it from sticking together.
- Overcooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) without overcooking it.
Serving FAQ
- Portion Sizes: This recipe serves 4 generously. For larger gatherings, simply double the ingredients.
- Doubling the Recipe: Use a larger skillet to ensure everything combines evenly when doubling the recipe.
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Let the pasta cool completely before freezing to preserve texture.
Reheating and Serving
- Reheat on the Stove: Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to a skillet and gently reheat the pasta over low heat, stirring to revive its creamy consistency.
- Microwave Option: Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepping Components: Cook the chicken and broccoli in advance and refrigerate them separately. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in a jar or airtight container.
- Assembling Later: When ready to serve, reheat the components and toss them together with freshly cooked pasta for a quick meal.
Conclusion
Creamy broccoli and chicken penne is the epitome of comfort food: simple to prepare, brimming with rich and creamy flavors, and versatile enough for any occasion. The tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and velvety Parmesan sauce come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for guests, this recipe fits the bill.
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
