Name: Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces whole wheat penne – adds fiber and holds the sauce well; 1 (12-ounce) package frozen broccoli – no chopping needed, just toss it in; 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (such as canola) – for searing the chicken; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds), sliced in half into 4 cutlets – cooks evenly and quickly; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – adds richness to the sauce; 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms – brings umami depth; 2 to 3 large garlic cloves, minced – adds bold flavor; 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese or neufchâtel, cubed – the creamy sauce base; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving – salty, nutty finish; Kosher salt – enhances all the flavors; Freshly ground black pepper – adds a bit of kick

Description

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting, one-pan pasta dish made with tender chicken, hearty broccoli, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces whole wheat penne – adds fiber and holds the sauce well

1 (12-ounce) package frozen broccoli – no chopping needed, just toss it in

2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (such as canola) – for searing the chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds), sliced in half into 4 cutlets – cooks evenly and quickly

2 tablespoons unsalted butter – adds richness to the sauce

8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms – brings umami depth

2 to 3 large garlic cloves, minced – adds bold flavor

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese or neufchâtel, cubed – the creamy sauce base

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving – salty, nutty finish

Kosher salt – enhances all the flavors

Freshly ground black pepper – adds a bit of kick

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°F. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook penne and frozen broccoli together until pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, then drain and return to pot.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken dry, season one side with salt and pepper, and place seasoned side down in skillet. Season the other side in the pan. Cook undisturbed until deep golden, about 2 minutes, then flip.

3. Check chicken temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Remove from pan when it reaches 155°F to 160°F. Keep warm in oven, tented with foil.

4. Melt butter in the skillet, then add mushrooms. Sprinkle with salt and cook until tender and golden, 7–10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

5. Add cubed cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Add Parmesan and stir until incorporated.

6. Pour sauce over pasta and broccoli. Toss well to coat, adding more pasta water if needed for creaminess. Season to taste.

7. Slice cooked chicken into strips and serve over creamy penne. Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Fresh broccoli can be substituted—just chop and add during the last 3–4 minutes of pasta cooking.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, add a splash of water and warm gently on the stove or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 580
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 490mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, Chicken And Penne Recipes, Chicken With Broccoli, Creamy Broccoli Pasta, Broccoli And Chicken Recipes, Pasta Broccoli Recipes, Broccoli Penne Pasta