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- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots - Spices for flavor, such as red pepper flakes or paprika When I whip up Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, I love to keep it simple yet flavorful. The main ingredients form the base of this dish. You need penne pasta, chicken breast, broccoli florets, and heavy cream. This combo creates a creamy, rich texture that wraps around the penne beautifully. Next, let's talk about seasoning. I always use Italian seasoning and minced garlic to add depth to the dish. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese brings a nice salty flavor, while olive oil helps cook the chicken just right. Feel free to get creative with optional ingredients. You can toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for color and nutrition. If you like heat, add spices like red pepper flakes or paprika. This dish is all about your taste and what you enjoy! For the full recipe, check the instructions to create this delightful meal. To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the 2 cups of broccoli florets. This step keeps the broccoli bright and crisp. After everything is cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together. Set them aside for later. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and ensure it is fully cooked. After that, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until you smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Now it’s time to make the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes. Then, gradually whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream. This will make the mixture smooth and creamy. Next, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it. Finally, add the drained penne and broccoli back into the skillet. Toss everything well to coat it in the creamy sauce. Heat it through for about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your creamy broccoli and chicken penne hot, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. For the full recipe, check out the previous section. Enjoy your meal! To keep your sauce smooth, avoid boiling it after adding cream. High heat can cause it to separate. Stir gently over low heat for best results. If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. This will help bring it back to a nice creamy consistency. To keep chicken juicy, start with even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Brown the chicken on medium heat. Don’t crowd the pan; this helps achieve a nice golden color. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F for safe eating. For a pretty presentation, serve in deep bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. This adds color and taste. Pair your dish with a light salad or garlic bread. A crisp side will balance the creamy pasta nicely. For a complete cooking experience, check out the Full Recipe! {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta type in this dish. Try whole wheat penne for a healthier option. Gluten-free pasta works well too. It gives the same great texture without gluten. If you want to swap chicken, you have options. You can use shrimp, turkey, or tofu. Each option adds a unique flavor twist. Just adjust cooking times based on your choice. To change the creaminess, consider Greek yogurt or light cream. Both options cut calories while keeping that rich taste. You can mix them in slowly to see how creamy you want it. If you're dairy-free, there are substitutes too. Coconut milk or almond milk can work well. Just make sure to choose unsweetened versions for the best flavor. Boost the flavor with spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Fresh basil or thyme can bring a lovely aroma. Experiment to find the mix you enjoy. You can also add different vegetables to the mix. Bell peppers, spinach, or peas all work well. They not only add color but also extra nutrition. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To store leftover creamy broccoli and chicken penne, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. This meal stays fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When reheating, use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of broth or cream. This helps keep it moist. Stir often to avoid burning. For the microwave, cover it to trap steam. This keeps the dish from getting soggy. To freeze creamy broccoli and chicken penne, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. For best taste, eat it within 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can prepare creamy broccoli and chicken penne ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken as directed, then combine them with the sauce. Store everything in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. To spice up your dish, add red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken. You can also mix in some hot sauce or diced jalapeños. If you like a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust to your heat preference. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread also complements it nicely. You could serve it with roasted vegetables or a light soup for a complete meal. If you want to add more greens, consider sautéed spinach or kale. Yes, creamy broccoli and chicken penne is great for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge and reheats nicely. Divide it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals. This makes it a perfect choice for busy weekdays. Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just add it to the boiling pasta for the last two minutes. It cooks quickly and retains its nutrients. Plus, it saves you time and effort, making this dish even easier to prepare. This blog post covered a creamy chicken and broccoli penne recipe. You learned about key ingredients like penne pasta, chicken, and heavy cream. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect sauce, and variations to suit your taste. Remember, you can store leftovers and reheat them with care. Try this dish in your kitchen for a comforting meal. Cooking is fun, and experimenting can lead to tasty surprises! Enjoy the process as you create delicious meals for yourself or loved ones.

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Broccoli and Chicken Penne with this easy recipe! Featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich Parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can create a meal that's packed with flavor and comfort. Click through for full step-by-step instructions and serve up a bowl of happiness tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

2 cups broccoli florets

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the pasta during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.

      Add minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes.

          Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and combined.

            Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can adjust the consistency with a splash of additional chicken broth.

              Add the drained penne and broccoli back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.

                Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve immediately.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls or on plates, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for a delightful finish.