Broccoli Chicken Penne Recipe
Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne is a comforting pasta dish made with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and penne pasta, all coated in a creamy, rich sauce made from cream cheese, garlic, and a hint of Italian seasoning. Perfect for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Knife for chopping
- Cutting board
- Pasta pot
- Deep skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 oz cream cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 medium chicken breasts
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about ¾" cubes, and set aside.
- Chop broccoli into florets, halving larger pieces if necessary.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, add ½ teaspoon of salt, and cook penne pasta over medium heat until al dente.
- Add the broccoli to the pasta water in the last 4 minutes of cooking.
- Once the broccoli is tender and vibrant green, remove and set aside.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a deep skillet, melt olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 3 minutes.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted.
- Whisk together milk and cornstarch, then slowly pour into the skillet, stirring often until the sauce thickens.
- Add pasta water gradually if the sauce becomes too thick, then stir in cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli.
- Mix gently to coat, and garnish with Parmesan, chopped parsley, or toasted breadcrumbs.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any pasta shape of your choice.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Ensure to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.