Oh, are you ready for some serious comfort in a bowl? Because I’ve got the ultimate Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne Comfort Food Delight that’s about to become your new weeknight best friend. Seriously, it’s one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug after a long day. I remember making this for the first time when I was absolutely wiped out and needed something delicious, fast. It came together so easily, and that creamy, cheesy sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli just did it for me. It’s become my go-to when I just need something *good* without a whole lot of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne Comfort Food Delight
Trust me, you’ll be making this dish again and again. Here’s why:
- Super Quick: It’s on the table in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- So Easy: Seriously, the steps are straightforward, and there’s not much fuss.
- Flavor Packed: That creamy sauce, savory chicken, and tender broccoli are a match made in heaven.
- Total Comfort: It’s hearty, satisfying, and just plain delicious.
Gather Your Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne
Okay, let’s get our kitchen prepped for this amazing meal! You’re going to need just a few simple things that probably live in your pantry or fridge already. First up, grab about a pound of penne pasta – it just holds that gorgeous sauce so well, you know? Then, we’ll need around a tablespoon of good old olive oil to get things started in the pan. For our protein, a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts is perfect. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook up nice and evenly. Don’t forget about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to season that chicken just right! Now for the star veggies: a whole head of broccoli, cut into lovely little florets. And of course, we need two cloves of garlic, minced up fine to really boost that flavor. The magic sauce comes from 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream (don’t skimp on this, it makes it *so* creamy!) and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese – use the real stuff if you can, it makes a difference! Finally, a little sprinkle of 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley at the end for a pop of freshness.
Tips for Success with Your Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne
Alright, so you’ve got all your goodies ready, but let’s make sure this dish turns out *perfectly* every single time. First off, when you’re chopping your chicken, try to keep the pieces about the same size. This ensures they all cook up evenly, so you don’t have some dry bits and some undercooked bits. Speaking of chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan when you’re searing it! Give it space so it gets a nice golden-brown sear instead of just steaming. That browning adds so much flavor, trust me. For the broccoli, you want it tender-crisp, not mushy. A few minutes in the hot pan is all it needs. And don’t even *think* about skipping the Parmesan cheese – using freshly grated stuff melts way better and tastes way more vibrant than the pre-grated kind from a can. Now, if you want to level up your pasta game even more, check out these tips for perfect pasta and maybe some ideas for easy weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne
Okay, let’s get this deliciousness on the table! It’s really not complicated, I promise. First thing’s first: get a big pot of water going for your penne pasta. You’ll want to cook it according to the package directions – usually around 10 to 12 minutes. While that pasta is doing its thing, grab a nice big skillet. A large one is key here so everything fits! Pop it on medium-high heat and add your olive oil to warm up. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkle on that salt and pepper, and let them cook until they’re all golden brown and cooked through, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in two batches if your skillet isn’t huge. Once the chicken is done, scoop it out and set it aside.
Now, into that same flavorful skillet, toss in your broccoli florets. Give them a stir and let them cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still have a little bit of a bite, you know? Then, add your minced garlic and let that cook for just another minute until you can smell that amazing garlicky goodness. Be careful not to burn it! Next, pour in that luscious heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle simmer and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken up just a bit. Stir in your grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all melty and smooth, creating this beautiful, creamy sauce.
Go ahead and add that cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Give it a good stir. Now, go grab your drained penne pasta and add it right into the skillet too. Toss everything together really well, making sure every single piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that dreamy sauce. It smells SO good at this point! Finally, stir in your fresh parsley for that burst of green and fresh flavor. Serve it up hot right away, and get ready for the compliments!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne
So, let’s chat about some of those ingredients, shall we? If you’re looking to lighten things up just a bit, you can totally swap the heavy cream for half-and-half. It’ll still be creamy, just a tad less rich, which is nice sometimes! And for the chicken, feel free to use chicken thighs if you prefer; they have a bit more flavor, but make sure to trim off any excess fat. Don’t have penne? No worries! Rotini, fusilli, or even shells would be fantastic here too. The main thing is to pick a pasta shape that can really grab onto all that yummy sauce. Oh, and if you’re not a huge fan of broccoli, peas or some spinach would be super delicious added in!
Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne
This creamy pasta is already a meal in itself, but sometimes you just want a little something extra, right? A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner – it cuts through the richness perfectly. Or, how about some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce? Yum! For drinks, a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully, or even just a sparkling water with a slice of lemon will do the trick.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let this creamy goodness cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, a gentle simmer on the stovetop is usually best. If it seems a little thick, just stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up. Microwave works too, just be sure to stir halfway through so it heats evenly!
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne
Got questions about this creamy goodness? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken for more broccoli, or add some sautéed mushrooms or even some white beans for extra heartiness. It’ll still be super delicious!
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker sauce, just let it simmer a little longer after you add the Parmesan cheese until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk, cream, or even some pasta water will thin it right out. Easy peasy!
Can I use different vegetables in this dish?
Oh, for sure! This recipe is super forgiving. Peas, chopped spinach, zucchini, or even some roasted red peppers would be fantastic additions. Just add them in when you would add the broccoli or spinach, depending on their cooking time.
How long does it take to make this Creamy Broccoli And Chicken Penne?
The whole delicious thing comes together in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Most of that is just hands-off cooking time for the pasta and sauce!
Nutritional Information
Alright, so here’s the lowdown on the nutrition for this yummy dish. Keep in mind these are estimates, and the real numbers can wiggle around a bit depending on the brands you use and how generous you are with those servings. Generally, you’re looking at around 650 calories per serving, with about 35g of fat (half of that being saturated, thanks to that glorious cream and cheese!), 35g of protein, and 50g of carbs. It’s a hearty meal, for sure!
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy pasta dish with chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add broccoli florets to the same skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Stir in fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- You can substitute other vegetables like peas or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: creamy broccoli chicken penne, chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, easy dinner, comfort food