This Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a simple, tasty dish packed with flavor. Tender chicken and bright green broccoli come together for a colorful meal that’s hearty and filling!
I love how quick this dish is to whip up—it’s perfect for busy nights! Just cook the pasta, sauté the chicken, and toss it all together for a yummy dinner that everyone enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This tube-shaped pasta holds sauces well. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with fusilli or rotini, which also catch sauces nicely.
Chicken Breasts: I love using chicken breasts for their lean protein. You could swap them for chicken thighs for more flavor, or use canned chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add nutrition and crunch. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli works too—just adjust the cooking time.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich. If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or a plant-based cream could work. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a wonderful cheesy flavor. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. For dairy-free, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy taste.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but following a few simple steps will help you get it just right! Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking. This adds flavor right from the start.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding olive oil.
- Add the chicken in a single layer, giving them space to brown. If they’re crowded, they’ll steam instead! Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
- Always check that the chicken is cooked through (no pink inside) for food safety.
Using a meat thermometer can help—chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) in the center. Rest it briefly after cooking for juicier meat!
How to Make Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Broccoli and Chicken Penne takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything. It’s a quick, hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (which usually takes about 10-12 minutes). In the last 3 minutes of cooking, throw the broccoli florets into the pot. After everything is cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together and set them aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian herbs. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
Now, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—make sure not to burn it! Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Add the remaining Italian herbs and red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), then adjust salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Everything:
It’s time to bring all the ingredients together! Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, and drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to make sure it’s all coated with that creamy goodness. Heat everything through for an additional 2-3 minutes. Yum!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Broccoli and Chicken Penne is ready! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!
Can I Substitute the Pasta for a Gluten-Free Option?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free penne pasta, which is widely available. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may require different cooking times.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use milk combined with a little cornstarch to thicken it, or try half-and-half for a lighter version. Coconut cream is also a great dairy-free alternative!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just cook them according to their required cooking times so they remain tender yet crisp.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to help bring back its creamy consistency.