Chicken Broccoli Penne
Tender chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and penne pasta tossed in a simple, luscious garlic cream sauce. This comforting dish is a weeknight hero, coming together in under 30 minutes for a satisfying family meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook Pasta and Broccoli
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt.
- c.Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- d.During the final 3 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta.
- e.Before draining, carefully reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Chicken
- b.While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. Season them with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- c.Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- d.Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- e.Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Garlic Cream Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt.
- c.Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- d.Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- e.Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- c.Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli.
- d.Toss everything together gently until the pasta, chicken, and broccoli are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- e.If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with the remaining salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- f.Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best sauce, grate your own Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- 2Don't skip reserving the pasta water. The starch in the water is a key ingredient that helps the sauce emulsify and cling perfectly to the pasta.
- 3To ensure the chicken gets a nice golden-brown sear, make sure the pan is hot before adding it and don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- 4A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end will brighten up the creamy sauce without making it taste overtly lemony.
- 5Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps it brown better rather than steam in the pan.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken with sautéed shrimp (add it in the last few minutes of cooking) or Italian sausage.
Vegetable Add insVegetable Add-ins
Incorporate other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach. Sauté mushrooms with the chicken and stir in spinach at the end until wilted.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
For a lighter sauce, replace half of the heavy cream with whole milk or evaporated milk.
Pasta ChoicePasta Choice
This recipe works well with other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or ziti. Whole wheat pasta can also be used for added fiber.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
The chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Fiber
Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and fiber. These contribute to a strong immune system, bone health, and digestive wellness.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the penne pasta are a primary source of energy, fueling your body and brain throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Chicken Broccoli Penne contains approximately 950-1050 calories. The exact number can vary based on specific ingredients like the fat content of the cream and the amount of oil used.