Description

Looking for a cozy, flavorful, and quick dinner idea? Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is your perfect go-to comfort food. This easy recipe blends tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente penne pasta all tossed in a luscious, garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 30 minutes. Ideal for quick weeknight meals, lazy weekend dinners, or as part of your meal prep rotation, this creamy pasta dish brings both flavor and satisfaction to the table.

Rich, hearty, and irresistibly creamy, this dish is packed with wholesome ingredients and delivers a balanced meal the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re searching for new dinner ideas, creamy pasta options, or healthy-ish food ideas that don’t skimp on taste, this one checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)

Salt and black pepper to taste

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)

12 oz penne pasta

1 ½ cups heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return chicken to the pan. Add cooked pasta and broccoli. Stir to coat with sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner