Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Penne
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Penne is a comforting, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and penne tossed in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Time Needed
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
4 cups water (for boiling)
1 teaspoon salt
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoon of olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1 cup chicken broth
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grate
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water to lightly steam them.
3. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
1. In the same skillet, put olive oil
2. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
4. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. Stir in lemon juice (if using).
4. Combine Everything
1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained penne and broccoli.
2. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
3. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat
5. Serve & Garnish
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad!
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~550 kcal
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: ~600mg
Notes & Variations
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and swap some Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
Extra Protein: Add cooked shrimp or crumbled bacon.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas.
Storage: Keep the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.