This Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a tasty and colorful meal! It features tender chicken combined with vibrant broccoli and chewy penne pasta, all in a creamy sauce.
Making this dish is super simple, and it’s great for a busy weeknight. I love how it brings together so many flavors, and it’s a hit with my family every time! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This recipe calls for penne, which has a nice texture for holding the sauce. If you don’t have penne, try using farfalle or rigatoni instead. Gluten-free pasta can also work well!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are perfect for this dish, but you can substitute with other greens like asparagus or green beans if needed.
Chicken: I suggest boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a quick cook time. Feel free to swap in cooked rotisserie chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream. Keep in mind this may alter the flavor a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice nutty flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace it for a dairy-free dish.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken strips can be tricky, but with a bit of attention, you’ll nail it! Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil.
- Season your chicken well with salt, pepper, and half the herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until it’s golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
- Let the chicken rest a couple of minutes before adding it back to the dish for juiciness.
With these tips, you’ll have juicy chicken pieces that complement the creamy sauce perfectly! Enjoy your cooking!
Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Broccoli and Chicken Penne recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and cooking the pasta and chicken, and around 20 minutes bringing everything together in the skillet. It’s quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them lightly. After that, drain both the pasta and broccoli together, and set them aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken strips with salt, black pepper, and half of the dried Italian herbs. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned. Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir the cream continuously and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to slightly thicken.
4. Combine Everything:
Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese, the optional red pepper flakes, the remaining dried Italian herbs, and more salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Once that’s done, add the cooked chicken, penne, and broccoli back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are nicely coated in the sauce.
5. Final Touches and Serve:
Cook everything for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm it through. Serve your Broccoli and Chicken Penne hot, with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of flavor, and sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top if you’d like!
Enjoy your delicious Broccoli and Chicken Penne with a creamy herb sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen broccoli, just add it directly to the boiling pasta water for the last 3 minutes of cooking. It will heat through perfectly!
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or cashew cream!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is tender.
