Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne: The Ultimate Easy & Family-Friendly Pasta Recipe
Finding a dinner recipe that genuinely appeals to everyone at the table, from the pickiest little eaters to the most discerning adults, can often feel like searching for a culinary unicorn. But fret no more! This recipe for Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne is that elusive dish, a resounding success in countless households, including ours. What’s its secret weapon? A delightful double dose of cheese, featuring both creamy cream cheese and sharp Parmesan, which consistently brings smiles to kids’ faces. Sometimes, I even sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on their plates before serving, just to ensure they truly appreciate the cheesy goodness in every bite! It’s quite amusing how a simple addition of cheese can transform nutrient-rich vegetables like broccoli into a much more acceptable and even desirable component for our selective eaters, making this an ideal family meal.
Many pasta dishes, while undeniably delicious, can sometimes lean towards being heavy and overly rich, leaving you feeling sluggish. This is precisely why I cherish recipes like this one, which masterfully keeps things lighter without ever compromising on flavor or satisfaction. The secret lies in the beautifully balanced sauce: a delicate blend of savory chicken stock and smooth cream cheese that’s thin enough to perfectly coat each piece of penne without making the dish feel cumbersome or greasy. You get all the luxurious taste and comforting decadence of a truly indulgent pasta sauce, but with a lighter feel that leaves you satisfied, not stuffed. It’s the perfect weeknight solution for a wholesome meal that doesn’t weigh you down, making it a healthy chicken pasta option.
Crafting the Perfect Pan Sauce: A Touch of Personalization for Your Palate
I confess, I’m absolutely captivated by a well-made pan sauce. The process of building layers of flavor in a single skillet is incredibly satisfying, and this creamy chicken pasta sauce is no exception. I’ve spent time experimenting with this particular sauce, fine-tuning it to my exact liking, but remember that culinary preferences are wonderfully personal. So, please feel encouraged to make this easy pasta recipe your own! If you enjoy a subtle kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes would introduce a delightful warmth, as would a dash of cayenne pepper or a smoky hint of paprika. For those who love savory depths, a touch of seasoning salt or garlic salt can be easily incorporated into the recipe at your preferred stage, enhancing the overall profile of your creamy broccoli chicken. While fresh lemon juice perfectly brightens and balances the richness of the sauce for my palate, if you’re aiming for something a touch more sophisticated, consider deglazing the pan with 2-3 tablespoons of dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) after cooking the chicken and just before adding the garlic. This step adds an exquisite depth of flavor that truly elevates the dish, making it a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Frozen vs. Fresh Broccoli: A Versatile Choice for Your Broccoli Chicken Pasta
Frozen broccoli is an absolute lifesaver and one of my top pantry staples. It’s incredibly convenient and makes a fantastic addition to a multitude of casseroles, rice dishes, and, of course, pasta recipes like this creamy chicken penne pasta. I’ve found that when it’s enveloped in a flavorful sauce, any slight difference from fresh broccoli is barely noticeable, making it a brilliant shortcut for busy weeknights and a great way to ensure you always have vegetables on hand. However, if you have fresh broccoli on hand, or simply prefer its crisp-tender texture, I wholeheartedly encourage you to use it! Just bear in mind that fresh florets typically require a slightly shorter cooking time than frozen. Keep a close eye on your skillet and cook the broccoli to your preferred level of tenderness – whether you like it crisp-tender or softer. Both options yield delicious results in this versatile broccoli chicken pasta, ensuring a nutritious addition to your meal.
Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne
3.5 from 85 votes
6
servings
15
minutes
30
minutes
Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Penne Feast
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2 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized cubes for tender protein in every bite
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1 package 1 Frozen broccoli florets (12-16oz), or equivalent fresh, for a burst of green goodness and nutrients
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1 lb 1 Penne pasta, ideally ridged penne rigate, for optimal sauce adherence and texture
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1 1/2 cup 1 1/2 Chicken stock, the savory and flavorful base of our creamy sauce
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4 oz 4 Cream cheese, softened, preferably block-style, for ultimate creaminess and smooth texture
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1/2 cup 1/2 Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for a deep, nutty, and salty depth of flavor
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2 tablespoons 2 Olive oil (regular or light), for perfectly sautéing the chicken and building flavor
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2 cloves 2 Garlic, minced or microplaned, for an aromatic and essential flavor foundation
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1 tablespoon 1 Fresh lemon juice, to brighten and balance the rich, creamy flavors
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1 1/2 tablespoon 1 1/2 Italian seasoning, divided, for aromatic herb notes throughout the dish
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1 teaspoon 1 Salt, essential for seasoning every component to perfection
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste, for perfect final seasoning and a hint of spice
Simple Steps to Your Delicious Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne
- Prepare the Chicken: Dice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized cubes. Season the chicken generously with 1/2 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This initial seasoning is key for flavorful chicken.
- Start the Pasta Water: Place a large pot of water on to boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt (as per penne package directions) before adding the pasta. This ensures your pasta will be flavorful from the inside out.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the seasoned diced chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully golden brown on all sides and just cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 180° F (82° C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a separate plate to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Broccoli and Deglaze: Reduce the heat in the skillet to medium-low to medium. Add the minced garlic, chicken stock, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir briefly, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet – this crucial step adds incredible depth to your sauce. Add the frozen broccoli florets to the pan and cover with a lid. Cook covered for 4-6 minutes, or until the broccoli is cooked to your desired doneness (crisp-tender is often preferred). Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the pan and add it to the plate where the chicken is set aside.
- Cook the Penne: Add the penne pasta to the pot of vigorously boiling, salted water. Cook according to the package directions, but aim to cook it 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time. This will ensure it finishes cooking perfectly al dente in the sauce, absorbing all its flavors without becoming mushy.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, return to your large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the softened cream cheese and stir it vigorously into the chicken stock mixture until it has completely melted and incorporated into a smooth, luscious sauce. Once creamy, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt to taste. (If the chicken stock reduced too much while cooking the broccoli and the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a splash of reserved pasta water – about 1/4 cup at a time – to achieve your desired consistency). Let the sauce gently simmer on medium-low heat while the pasta finishes cooking, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the penne is cooked to al dente, drain it thoroughly (reserving some pasta water if needed) and add it directly to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir well to coat all the pasta evenly and allow it to finish cooking for 1-2 minutes directly in the sauce. This final simmer helps the pasta absorb all those delicious flavors and become perfectly integrated.
- Final Touches and Serve: Add the fresh lemon juice and a generous amount of fresh black pepper to taste. Stir everything together gently. Finally, return the cooked broccoli and chicken to the skillet with the penne. Stir to combine all ingredients; allow the chicken and broccoli to reheat in the skillet for about 1 minute, ensuring everything is piping hot. Serve immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a side of warm, crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete family-friendly dinner.
Helpful Tips & Substitutions for Your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne
- Cream Cheese Type: For the best texture and consistency in your sauce, block-style cream cheese is highly recommended. Whipped-style cream cheese may yield unpredictable or less consistent results due to its higher air content and different stabilizers.
- Pasta Alternatives: While penne is fantastic, this versatile recipe works wonderfully with any bite-sized dry pasta. Consider using bowtie (farfalle), elbow macaroni, rotini, or rigatoni for equally delicious results. The key is a shape that can hold the creamy sauce well.
- Garlic Options: If fresh garlic isn’t available or you prefer the convenience, you can substitute it with garlic powder. Approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder should suffice, or adjust to your personal taste preference.
- Cooking Oil Choice: Extra virgin olive oil is generally not recommended for sautéing chicken in this recipe due to its lower smoke point, which can cause it to burn and impart a bitter taste. For best results and higher heat cooking, use regular olive oil, light olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil.
- Cheese Swaps: Don’t limit yourself to just Parmesan! Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or any other flavorful, aged Italian hard cheese can be used as excellent substitutes to add a unique twist and depth of flavor to your creamy sauce.
- Fresh Broccoli Adjustment: If opting for fresh broccoli, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 heads of broccoli, chopped into bite-sized florets, would be a suitable substitute for the frozen package. Remember that cooking times will vary; cook until your desired level of doneness is achieved, ensuring it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
Why Penne Rigate is the Star of This Creamy Chicken Penne Dish
Penne holds a special place in my heart as one of my absolute favorite pasta shapes, and it truly shines in this creamy chicken penne pasta. Its bite-sized nature makes it incredibly versatile for a wide array of dishes, and in a recipe like this, where the pasta finishes cooking directly in a luscious pan sauce, penne rigate truly excels. The distinct ridges on the outside of penne rigate aren’t just for show; they’re ingeniously designed to grip and hold onto the sauce, ensuring that every single forkful is perfectly coated with that delectable creamy goodness. This texture is especially important when you want the rich cream cheese and Parmesan sauce to adhere beautifully. Beyond the exterior, penne pasta is also hollow, creating tiny, magical tubes that capture and release a burst of sauce with every bite. This unique characteristic enhances the overall eating experience, making each mouthful a flavorful adventure. If you’ve primarily stuck to other pasta shapes, I highly recommend giving penne rigate a try for this recipe – you’ll quickly discover why it’s such a beloved choice for saucy dishes and why it contributes so much to the overall success of this family favorite!
Making Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne a Regular on Your Menu
This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting, delicious, and genuinely satisfying for the whole family. With its harmonious blend of tender chicken, wholesome broccoli, and an irresistibly creamy, cheesy sauce, it effortlessly transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, the straightforward steps and adaptable nature of this dish make it a joy to prepare. Embrace the customization options, from adjusting the spice level to experimenting with different cheeses or even adding other vegetables, and make this easy chicken pasta dish truly your own. Get ready to add this incredible family-friendly dinner to your regular rotation, because once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to favorite that everyone will request again and again!