Description
This Easy Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting dish featuring tender penne pasta in a velvety cheese sauce, topped with broccoli and chicken. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for picky eaters.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season the diced chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and chicken broth. Cover and steam for about 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Remove the lid and pour in the milk. Stir to combine. Gradually add in the mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Add in the cooked chicken and stir to combine.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other veggies your family enjoys, like spinach or peas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Protein: 30
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken penne, broccoli recipe, family dinner, quick meal