Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Savory Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Delight Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta 2 cups broccoli florets 2 tablespoons olive oil

 

Creamy Broccoli & Chicken Penne

Tender chicken, crisp broccoli and al dente penne wrapped in a velvety cream sauce—ideal for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends or inviting friends.

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Why this dish works

• Balance of textures: The smooth cream‑cheese sauce coats the pasta; the broccoli adds a vivid green crunch; the chicken brings satisfying chew.

• Flavor harmony: Garlic and Parmesan deliver savory depth; chicken broth and seasoning add umami; broccoli and perhaps a splash of lemon (optional) bring freshness.

• One‑pot or minimal‑clean‑up friendly: Many versions streamline the process so you’re not juggling multiple pans.

• Ingredient flexibility: You can lean on pantry staples (pasta, broth, cream, chicken) and toss in whatever broccoli you have (fresh or frozen).

• Comfort food appeal + nutrition: With chicken and broccoli, you’ve got protein and veggies embedded in the indulgent comfort of pasta.

Sources provide similar recipes (for example, one from TastyStanza featuring this exact combo). Tasty Stanza Another from The Crispy Chef outlines the same base with step‑by‑step emphasis. Crispy Chef

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Ingredients (Serves ~4–6)

Here is a strong base set of ingredients you can scale up or down:

Main Components:

• 12 oz (≈340 g) penne pasta. Crispy Chef

• 1 ½ lbs (≈680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer richer flavor). Crispy Chef+1

• 3–4 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best; frozen acceptable if thawed). Crispy Chef+1

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing chicken). Tasty Stanza+1

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional but recommended for flavor depth) – some recipes omit.

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced. Tasty Stanza+1

• 1 cup (≈240 ml) heavy cream (or heavy cream + milk blend if lighter). Tasty Stanza+1

• ½ to 1 cup chicken broth (≈120‑240 ml) to start the sauce and add savoury depth. Tasty Stanza+1

• ½ to 1 cup (≈50‑100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is best for smooth melting. Crispy Chef+1

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a blend of basil/oregano/thyme). Tasty Stanza+1

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

• Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes (for a gentle heat). Crispy Chef+1

• Optional finish: 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (brightens richness) or fresh parsley for garnish. James Cooking

Tools & Prep:

• Large pot for boiling pasta (with salted water).

• Large skillet or sauté pan (big enough to combine sauce, chicken, pasta).

• Colander for draining.

• Measuring cups/spoons, knife & cutting board, grater for fresh Parmesan.

• Optional: Whisk for sauce smoothing.

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Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Broccoli

1. Fill a large pot with water. Bring to a rolling boil, add a generous pinch of salt (this seasons the pasta).

2. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Many recipes suggest cooking the pasta first and adding broccoli near end. Tasty Stanza+1

3. In the final 2–4 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot (so they cook alongside). This ensures the broccoli is tender‑crisp and bright green. For example: “In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets …” Crispy Chef+1

4. Drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander. Reserve about ½ cup (≈120 ml) of the pasta‑cooking water—it can be used to thin out the sauce if needed. Many versions highlight that a splash of pasta water helps the sauce cling. Tasty Stanza+1

5. Toss the drained pasta and broccoli with a drizzle of olive oil (optional) to prevent sticking and set aside while you make the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

6. In a large skillet over medium‑high heat, add the olive oil (2 Tbsp).

7. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning (and garlic powder if using). For example: “2 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder” in recipe. Crispy Chef

8. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6–8 minutes (depending on size) until browned and cooked through (internal temperature ~165 °F/74 °C). Stir occasionally for even browning. Some recipes note 4‑5 minutes if bite‑sized pieces. Crispy Chef+1

9. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Leaving some browned bits (fond) on the bottom of the pan will bolster the sauce flavour.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

10. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet (no need to clean), optionally add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (~2‑3 minutes), then add garlic for ~30 seconds until fragrant. Some recipes skip the onion; if you skip, begin with garlic. Example: “Sauté garlic for just 30 seconds until fragrant.” Tasty Stanza+1

11. Add the chicken broth (½‑1 cup) to deglaze the pan, scraping up those browned bits for extra flavour. Let it simmer ~1‑2 minutes. Example: “Add chicken broth … simmer for 2 minutes so the liquid reduces slightly.” Craft Meats

12. Pour in the heavy cream (1 cup) while stirring or whisking to combine smoothly. Let the sauce return to a gentle simmer and thicken slightly (2‑3 minutes).

13. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (½‑1 cup) in small batches, whisking to melt and avoid graininess. Example: “Add the grated Parmesan cheese in three batches whisking continuously …” Tasty Stanza

14. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes (½ tsp) for heat. A splash of fresh lemon juice (1 Tbsp) is optional to brighten the richness. Example: “Add … lemon juice … red pepper flakes (optional)” James Cooking

15. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency and so the sauce clings to penne well.

Step 4: Combine Everything

16. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring them into the sauce so they’re well coated.

17. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Carefully toss or fold so each piece of pasta and broccoli is coated with the sauce and mixed with chicken. Example: “Add the cooked penne, broccoli and chicken into the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.” Sally Meals+1

18. Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes just until everything is heated through and the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

19. Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if you like. The fresh parsley adds a savory pop of freshness and bright colour. Example: garnish with fresh parsley. Tasty Stanza+1

Step 5: Serve

20. Transfer the pasta to warm plates or a large serving dish. Serve immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is still silky. Provide extra Parmesan at the table and perhaps a side of garlic bread or a green salad (see tips below).

21. Pair with a crisp white wine (like Pinot Grigio) or refreshing sparkling water and lemon for a balanced meal.

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Tips & Tricks for Best Results

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre‑shredded cheeses often contain anti‑caking agents which may affect melt and texture. Many recipes emphasise this. Crispy Chef+1

• Maintain broccoli texture: Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should remain vibrant green and slightly crisp to contrast the creamy sauce. Many recipes stress this. Tasty Stanza

• Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente texture holds better when mixed with sauce.

• Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps the sauce adhere and achieve ideal consistency. Sally Meals

• Deglaze the pan after chicken: Scraping the browned bits adds flavour to the sauce.

• Low heat when adding cheese and cream: To prevent curdling or separation.

• Adapt sauce thickness: Use cream for rich texture; if you prefer lighter, you can substitute part heavy cream with milk or omit some cheese. Some databases present lighter versions. Delish Docket

• Customise protein: Chicken thighs may yield more flavour; leftover roast chicken is a quick alternative.

• Season boldly: Cream sauces need proper seasoning and acidity to maintain balance—salt, pepper, herbs, lemon all matter.

• Finish fresh herbs: Parsley or basil at the end adds brightness and colour.

• Clean‑up tip: Using a single large skillet (after cooking pasta separately) keeps dishes minimal.

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Variations & Customizations

• Gluten‑free version: Use gluten‑free penne and substitute flour (if used to thicken) with cornstarch or skip flour entirely if using only cream. Some recipes mention cornstarch instead of flour. Crispy Chef

• Vegetarian version: Omit chicken and increase broccoli + other veggie additions (e.g., roasted red peppers, peas); optionally add chickpeas.

• Spicy version: Add ½‑1 tsp red pepper flakes or chopped sun‑dried tomatoes for heat and tang.

• Lighter version: Use half milk and half cream, reduce cheese, serve smaller portion. Example: a recipe noted 450 calories per serving. Delish Docket

• Italian twist: Add sun‑dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of pesto at the end for herbaceous lift.

• Seafood version: Replace chicken with shrimp or salmon pieces; cook similarly.

• One‑pot version: Some versions cook pasta in the sauce pot so cooking time is reduced and dishes are fewer. For example: a one‑pot creamy chicken Alfredo with broccoli and penne reference. The Campbell's Company

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Make‑Ahead & Storage

• This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is still silky and creamy.

• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3–4 days.

• Reheating: Gently reheat on stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen sauce if it has thickened. Microwave with a damp paper towel cover also works, stirring midway. One storage guide recommends adding a splash of milk for best texture. Craft Meats

• Freezing: Because cream sauces can separate when frozen/thawed, freezing is less ideal. If you do freeze, thaw overnight in fridge and reheat slowly, adding fresh cream or cheese as needed.

• Prep ahead: You can cut chicken pieces, prep broccoli and grate cheese ahead of time. Cook pasta just before combining for best texture. Alternatively, cook pasta/broccoli a bit under al dente if combining later.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Garlic bread or crusty bread: Great for sopping up any excess sauce. Example pairing suggestion from SallyMeals site. Sally Meals

• Light green salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.

• Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted cherry tomatoes or asparagus (mentioned by SallyMeals). Sally Meals

• Wine pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works well—the acidity cuts through the richness.

• Side of fresh fruit: For dessert or light finish, something like melon or pineapple helps cleanse the palate post meal.

• For kids or casual diners: Serve in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan on the side.

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Nutrition & Approximate Facts

While exact nutrition depends on portions and ingredients, here’s a rough estimate for one serving (assuming 4 servings, heavy cream version):

• Calories: ~450‑520 kcal. For example, The Crispy Chef version lists ~520 kcal. Crispy Chef

• Carbohydrates: ~40‑50 g (from pasta, broccoli)

• Protein: ~30‑40 g (from chicken, cheese)

• Fat: ~20‑30 g (from cream, oil, cheese)

• Fiber: ~3‑5 g (from broccoli)

If you lighten the sauce (e.g., using milk instead of full cream) you could drop calories and fat. Example: A version with 450 cal per serving for kids and family dinners. Delish Docket

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Sauce too thin/runny: Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. Optionally add more cheese or a small amount of flour/slurry. Use pasta water to adjust consistency.

• Sauce too thick/clumpy: Heat too high when adding cheese or cream? Lower heat and stir. Add pasta water or milk to loosen.

• Broccoli over‑cooked/mushy: Add broccoli later (final 2–3 minutes of pasta boil) or steam separately. You want tender‑crisp.

• Chicken under‑cooked: Always check internal temp ~165 °F (74 °C). If pieces vary in size, cook separately then slice.

• Pasta sticks or clumps: Toss with a little olive oil after draining, or add directly into sauce quickly.

• Cheese fails to melt smoothly: Use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre‑shredded). Add cheese gradually off high heat to avoid separation.

• Dish too heavy/feels greasy: Reduce cream amount, use half milk, or serve smaller portion plus more vegetables/salad.

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Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is more than just pasta—it’s comfort food elevated: nutritious, flavourful and surprisingly easy to master. It brings together lean protein, vibrant greens and satisfying carbs in a luxuriously smooth sauce that feels like a special treat. Best of all, you can whip it up in ~30–40 minutes with common ingredients and minimal fuss.

Here’s your summary “recipe card”:

• Ingredients: penne pasta + chicken + broccoli + cream sauce components (cream, broth, Parmesan, garlic, seasoning)

• Method: boil pasta/broccoli → sauté chicken → build sauce → combine everything → serve

• Tips: use fresh cheese, preserve broccoli texture, adjust sauce consistency, season boldly

• Variations: lighter versions, vegetarian/seafood swaps, gluten‑free option, pesto or spice twists

• Storage/make‑ahead: best fresh; leftovers 3‑4 days; reheat gently with splash of liquid

• Pairings: garlic bread, salad, crisp wine, fresh fruit or roasted veggies

Give it a try—gather your ingredients, set aside ~40 minutes, and treat yourself to a dish that hits all the marks: creamy, comforting, colourful and balanced.

Would you like me to create a printable version with metric conversions, or adapt it into a vegetarian or low‑sodium version? I'd be happy to.