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To whip up this creamy delight, gather these simple ingredients. They come together to create a dish you will love. - Penne pasta - Broccoli florets - Chicken breasts - Heavy cream - Chicken broth - Parmesan cheese - Garlic - Olive oil - Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper - Fresh basil (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. The penne pasta gives a great base. Broccoli florets add color and nutrition. Chicken breasts provide protein. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich. Chicken broth adds flavor depth. Parmesan cheese offers a cheesy finish. Garlic brings a savory touch. Olive oil keeps everything moist. Italian seasoning adds warmth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil can brighten the dish if you choose. You can grab all these items at most stores. Make sure to check your pantry for any staples you might already have. With these ingredients, you're ready to create a wonderful meal. For the full recipe, check the section below. First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water for flavor. Cook 8 oz of penne pasta as the package says. When the pasta has about 3 minutes left, add 2 cups of broccoli florets. This cooks the broccoli just right. After that, drain both the pasta and broccoli together. Set them aside for later. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Then, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute until the garlic smells nice. Now, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for about 2 to 3 minutes. Lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until everything is mixed well. Gradually add 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Finally, add the cooked penne and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta and broccoli are fully coated in the creamy sauce. If your sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil if you like. Enjoy this creamy broccoli and chicken penne delight! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make the cream sauce perfect, use low heat. High heat can burn the cream. Always stir gently and let the sauce simmer. This helps blend the flavors well. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This will keep it smooth and creamy. For the best chicken, start with small pieces. Diced chicken cooks faster and evenly. Make sure to season well with salt and pepper. This adds flavor from the start. Cook until each piece is golden brown. This gives a nice texture and taste to the dish. To boost flavor, try adding garlic early on. It gives a strong base for the sauce. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley. These add freshness and color. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish, too. Always taste as you go to find the right balance. This way, your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne will shine. For the complete details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out chicken for more veggies. Try using mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. These will add great taste and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy sauce remains tasty and rich. This way, you keep the dish colorful and healthy. If you want to change the protein, think about shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. Tofu is a great option for a plant-based meal. Just be sure to press it first to remove excess water. You can also use cooked turkey or even beef for a twist. For a gluten-free version, switch to gluten-free penne. Many brands offer pasta made from rice or corn. Check the package for cooking times, as they may vary. Also, make sure your chicken broth and cream are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy delight! Feel free to explore these variations to make this dish your own. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. You can keep your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This way, it stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure it's cooled down before you store it. If you have a lot, divide it into smaller portions. This helps when you want to grab a quick meal. Freezing is a great option if you want to save leftovers. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. The dish can last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne on the stovetop for the best results. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. This keeps it creamy. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli cooks faster and is easy to use. Just add it to the boiling pasta a minute before draining. It will soften nicely and blend well with the dish. You can use half-and-half or a rich coconut milk. Both options will give you creaminess. If you want a lighter choice, use Greek yogurt mixed with a little broth for a tangy flavor. To make it dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy taste without dairy. Adjust the seasoning to balance flavors. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for added color and nutrients. A light, crisp white wine can complement the flavors nicely. To make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, follow these steps closely. 1. Cook the pasta: Start by boiling 8 oz of penne pasta in salted water. When the pasta has about 3 minutes left, add in 2 cups of broccoli florets. Drain both together and set them aside. This method helps keep the broccoli bright and tender. 2. Prepare the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts, seasoning with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. 3. Add garlic: Once the chicken is done, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 minute until it smells amazing. Garlic adds a rich flavor base for this dish. 4. Make the broth mixture: Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes. This step deepens the flavor. 5. Create the creamy sauce: Lower the heat and mix in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until well blended. Gradually add 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and smooth. 6. Combine everything: Add the cooked penne and broccoli to the skillet. Toss them in the creamy sauce to coat every piece well. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. 7. Season to taste: Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This step ensures every bite is perfect. 8. Serve hot: Dish out the pasta while it’s hot. You can garnish it with fresh basil if you like. This adds a fresh touch and looks pretty too. Enjoy your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne! It’s a lovely meal that combines simple ingredients into a delightful dish. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. This blog post shared a simple way to make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne. We looked at key ingredients like penne pasta, broccoli, and chicken. I gave you step-by-step instructions to prepare each part, from cooking chicken to making the sauce. Tips for perfecting flavors were included, along with variations for different diets. I also discussed how to store and reheat leftovers. Cooking can be easy and fun. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with others. Your meal will impress!

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Savor the rich flavors of creamy broccoli and chicken penne with this easy recipe! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente penne in a luscious cream sauce. Follow our step-by-step guide to whip up a delicious meal in just 30 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe and delight your taste buds tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

2 cups broccoli florets

2 chicken breasts, diced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water for flavor. When the pasta has about 3 minutes left, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

      Stir in the minced garlic, cooking it for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a subtle simmer. Let it reduce for 2-3 minutes.

          Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring until combined. Gradually mix in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

            Add the cooked penne and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta and broccoli in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, feel free to thin it with a splash of pasta water.

              Taste and check for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as necessary.

                Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil if desired.

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