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- 2 cups penne pasta - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Seasonings: Olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes - Fresh parsley - Additional Parmesan cheese When I create creamy broccoli and chicken penne, I start with fresh ingredients. The penne pasta is my base. I love how it holds the sauce well. The chicken gives protein and flavor. I always choose boneless, skinless breasts for tenderness. Fresh broccoli adds color and crunch. For the cream sauce, I use heavy cream. It makes the dish rich and smooth. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory kick. I season with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of red pepper flakes. This blend gives warmth without being too spicy. For garnishing, I sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It brightens the dish. Extra Parmesan cheese is a must for cheese lovers. You can find the full recipe in the article above. Enjoy cooking! Start by filling a large pot with water. Make sure to add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Then, add the penne pasta. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness; it should be al dente. After cooking, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken. Season it with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you like spice, add crushed red pepper flakes. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Now, it’s time to add flavor. Toss in 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not burnt. Then, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. Stir gently until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir constantly to mix the cream with the chicken and broccoli. This helps the sauce come together nicely. Let it simmer for a minute. The sauce should be warm and slightly thick. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta well with the sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. This will help achieve the perfect consistency for your creamy sauce. Serve your creamy broccoli and chicken penne hot. Use shallow bowls for a nice display. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Enjoy your meal! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne even better, try adding spices. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can boost the taste. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme. For a bright twist, add lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice. This will lift the flavors and add freshness. To keep your chicken juicy, cook it over medium heat. Avoid overcooking it, as this can dry it out. Stir often and look for a golden-brown color. For perfect broccoli, add it to the skillet when the chicken is nearly done. This way, it cooks just enough to stay vibrant and crisp. You can prepare some ingredients ahead of time. Dice the chicken and chop the broccoli the day before. Store them in the fridge in airtight containers. For reheating leftovers, use a pan on low heat. Add a little water or cream to help bring back the sauce’s creamy texture. Enjoy your meal without the stress! {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just swap the chicken for plant-based proteins. Tofu or tempeh works well. Both absorb flavors nicely, giving you a tasty meal. You might also try chickpeas for a protein boost. For veggies, think about adding: - Bell peppers - Carrots - Spinach - Peas These will add more color and nutrition. Enjoy the mix of flavors! If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer penne made from rice or quinoa. These cook similarly to regular pasta. When adjusting the sauce, use gluten-free cream and cheese. Check labels to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. Want to make your dish heartier? You can add shrimp or sausage. Cook shrimp for just a few minutes until pink. If you choose sausage, cook it first to brown and render the fat. Make sure to adjust your cooking times. Shrimp cooks quickly, while sausage needs longer. Both options will give you a satisfying and filling meal. To store your leftover Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. In the fridge, it lasts for about 3 to 4 days. Always label your container with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to heat evenly. You can freeze Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne for up to 2 months. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Press out as much air as you can before sealing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess. For meal prep, divide your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne into single servings. Use clear glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. These containers help you see the food inside. Label each one with the date and meal name. This makes meals easy to grab on busy days. Store them in the fridge for quick access during the week. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli is often picked at peak ripeness. This means it keeps nutrients well. However, fresh broccoli has a better texture. Frozen broccoli may be softer after cooking. If you choose frozen, just add it to the skillet with the chicken for a few minutes longer. This gives it time to heat through. To add heat, you can increase the crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon instead of a half. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. If you like it really spicy, try adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Always taste and adjust to your preference. For sides, I recommend a simple green salad. A Caesar salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is great for dipping into the creamy sauce. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or a light soup. These sides balance the meal and enhance the flavors. This blog post details how to make creamy broccoli and chicken penne. You learned about the main ingredients, including pasta, chicken, and a rich cream sauce. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions, helpful tips, and variations for dietary needs. For a perfect meal, enjoy the fresh flavors and textures. Get creative with spices or add proteins as you like. With these tips, you’ll impress everyone at your table. Enjoy your cooking journey and the delicious meal ahead!

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Experience a burst of flavor with this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Delight! This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce that'll delight your taste buds in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to discover how to make this creamy delight and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups penne pasta

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Penne: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook as per package instructions until al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes. Once finished, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a spacious skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

      Add Garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

        Combine with Broccoli: Add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring gently, until the broccoli is vibrant green and tender-crisp.

          Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine all ingredients evenly. Allow the sauce to meld for a minute.

            Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts into the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, feel free to stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time for the desired consistency.

              Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure the pasta is fully coated with the creamy chicken and broccoli sauce.

                Serve and Garnish: Serve the dish hot, garnishing each portion with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                    Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls for an elegant display, and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top along with a few more pinches of fresh parsley for added color and flavor.