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A plated serving of creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper. Steam rises from the dish, while a fork twirls a bite of pasta, ready to be enjoyed.

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Recipe

This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne is a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and penne pasta smothered in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. A delicious weeknight favorite!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian- American
Calories: 576
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups penne pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 medium chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Strainer
  • Large skillet or pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
    A large stainless steel pot on a white marble cooktop, filled with boiling salted water and penne pasta. In the last two minutes, vibrant green broccoli florets are added, steaming slightly. A slotted spoon rests on the side, ready to drain the ingredients.
  2. Season and cook the chicken in a skillet with olive oil and butter until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and slice.
    A black skillet on a white marble cooktop, where two seasoned chicken breasts sizzle in a blend of olive oil and butter. The golden-brown crust forms on the edges, creating a slightly crispy texture, while a wooden spatula is nearby, ready to flip them.
  3. Sauté garlic in the same pan until fragrant, then add cornstarch mixed with milk to thicken the sauce.
    A black skillet on a white marble cooktop, where minced garlic sizzles in the remaining butter and oil. A wooden spoon gently stirs, releasing the rich, fragrant aroma as the garlic turns golden.
  4. Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan, and seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper) until smooth.
    A black skillet on a white marble cooktop, where a smooth cornstarch and milk mixture is being poured in. The liquid swirls and bubbles slightly as a wooden spoon stirs, thickening into a creamy sauce.
  5. Add pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
    A black skillet on a white marble cooktop, where softened cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan are being stirred into the thickened sauce. The mixture melts into a velvety texture, with seasonings sprinkled on top for extra flavor.
  6. Let it simmer for a minute, then remove from heat.
    A black skillet on a white marble cooktop, now filled with cooked penne pasta, tender broccoli, and sliced chicken. Everything is being tossed together, evenly coated in the rich and velvety garlic Parmesan sauce.
  7. Garnish with extra Parmesan and black pepper before serving.
  8. Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
    A plated serving of creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper. Steam rises from the dish, while a fork twirls a bite of pasta, ready to be enjoyed.