🥦 Creamy Broccoli & Chicken Penne: Your New Favorite Comfort Food (Ready in 30!)
Hey foodie friends! Chef Jackson here, ready to share the recipe that saved approximately 847 chaotic weeknights in my kitchen. Picture this: al dente penne pasta dancing with juicy chicken and crisp broccoli, all wrapped in a velvety cheese sauce that clings to every nook and cranny. This isn’t just dinner – it’s a edible hug that says “Hey, I’ve got your back” to your hungry crew. The best part? You likely have most ingredients already, and we’re clocking in at 30 minutes flat. Let’s turn that “What’s for dinner?” panic into “Can I get seconds?” enthusiasm!
❄️ The Blizzard That Started It All
This recipe was born during the Great Snowpocalypse of 2018. My fridge was down to sad-looking broccoli, leftover rotisserie chicken, and half a block of cheese. As wind howled outside and my stomach growled louder than the storm, I channeled my inner MacGyver. Twenty minutes later, my then-boyfriend (now husband!) took one bite and said “This is better than any fancy restaurant pasta.” The rest is history – we’ve made this for moving days, new baby meals, and yes, every single snow day since. Pro tip: Always keep penne in your pantry. Always.
🍴 Your Grocery List (Plus Genius Swaps!)
- Penne pasta (2 cups cooked): Those ridges are sauce magnets! GF? Use brown rice penne.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie MVP! Vegetarian? Swap in sautéed mushrooms.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Fresh or frozen both work – no shame in the freezer aisle!
- Butter (2 tbsp): Our flavor foundation. Vegan? Coconut oil works magic.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Freshly minced = flavor fireworks
- Flour (2 tbsp): Sauce thickener. Going gluten-free? Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) does the trick!
- Milk (2 cups): Whole milk = creamier sauce, but any milk works
- Parmesan (½ cup): The salty kicker. No Parm? Try asiago or nutritional yeast
- Mozzarella (1 cup): Our melty superstar. Pepper jack adds fun heat!
👩🍳 Let’s Get Saucy! (Step-by-Step Magic)
Step 1: Steam that broccoli like a pro
Toss florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tbsp water. Nuke for 90 seconds – crisp-tender perfection! (Or steam traditionally if you’re feeling fancy).
Step 2: Build your flavor base
Melt butter in your favorite deep skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sizzle until fragrant (about 60 seconds – don’t let it brown!). Sprinkle in flour and whisk like you’re auditioning for Bake Off. This roux is our sauce’s BFF!
Step 3: Milky way to deliciousness
Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly – this prevents lumpy sauce disasters! Bring to a gentle simmer until it coats the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes). Chef’s hack: If too thick, add splash of pasta water!
Step 4: Cheese please!
Kill the heat (prevents grainy cheese). Stir in Parmesan first – its salty punch boosts flavor. Then add mozzarella in three batches, stirring until ooey-gooey. Season with salt/pepper – taste as you go!
Step 5: Bring it all home
Fold in pasta, chicken, and broccoli. Gently toss until every piece is wearing its saucy best outfit. Let mingle over low heat for 2 minutes – flavors need to get acquainted!
🍽️ Plating Like a Pro (No Fancy Skills Needed)
You don’t need a Michelin star to serve this Creamy Broccoli & Chicken Penne like a total boss. With a few simple tricks, you’ll take this cozy dish from “weeknight rush” to “restaurant-worthy” real fast.
Start with shallow pasta bowls or wide-rimmed plates—they’re perfect for cradling all that luscious, cheesy sauce without letting it pool off the edge. Use tongs or a large fork to twirl the pasta into a tall, generous mound right in the center. This adds height (aka drama) and instantly makes it look fancier than it is.
Next, grab that extra Parmesan—yes, the one you were going to save for later—and give it a fluffy snowfall over the top. A little crack of fresh black pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of good olive oil adds sparkle and contrast.
Feeling herbaceous? Sprinkle on chopped parsley or basil for a fresh, green pop. If you really want to impress, nestle a few roasted broccoli florets or a swirl of melted mozzarella right on top. Optional, but applause-worthy.
Don’t forget the sides! A couple of garlic bread slices leaned against the bowl says, “I came to play,” while a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.
And if you’re serving this to guests? Warm your plates first (just a few seconds in the microwave) to keep the pasta steamy. Trust me—details matter when it comes to pasta night greatness.
Bottom line: You made a creamy, dreamy comfort food masterpiece. Plate it with pride and dig in like the dinner champion you are. 🍴💥
🔄 Mix It Up! (5 Tasty Twists)
- Carbonara Style: Swap chicken for crispy bacon + stir in egg yolk
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add cumin, diced green chiles, and top with crushed tortilla chips
- Lightened Up: Use Greek yogurt instead of butter, cauliflower florets instead of pasta
- Seafood Sensation: Substitute shrimp for chicken, add Old Bay seasoning
- Vegan Delight: Plant-based butter/cheese, tofu chicken, and cashew cream sauce
📝 Chef Jackson’s Insider Tips
True story: I once accidentally used powdered sugar instead of flour when making the roux (don’t ask). The result? Sweet chicken pasta – 0/10 do not recommend. Always label your containers, friends! Over the years, we’ve added a splash of white wine to the sauce (game changer) and sometimes throw in sun-dried tomatoes for tang. This recipe’s your canvas – make it sing your flavor song!
❓ You Asked, We Answered!
Q: Sauce too thick?
A: Stir in warm milk 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! Store in fridge for 3 days. Reheat with splash of milk to revive creaminess
Q: No fresh garlic?
A: 1/4 tsp garlic powder = 1 fresh clove. We won’t tell!
Q: Broccoli alternatives?
A: Try cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach – any green veg works!
📊 Nutrition Per Serving (Because Knowledge is Power)
Here’s the breakdown for one hearty serving of this Creamy Broccoli & Chicken Penne (based on 4 servings total):
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Calories: 480
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Protein: 35g
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Fat: 22g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 6g
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Sodium: ~580mg (varies based on cheese and broth used)
✅ High in protein, packed with fiber-rich veggies, and comforting without being over-the-top.
For a lighter spin, use low-fat milk and mozzarella, or skip the butter and sub in Greek yogurt. Want to boost the fiber? Try whole wheat or legume-based pasta!
As always, exact numbers may vary depending on brands and swaps—use your favorite nutrition calculator for ultra-precise tracking
Print
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
2 cups cooked penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Steam broccoli until just tender; set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in flour and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer until thickened.
Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Add cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
Heat through and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 per serving
- Sugar: 6g per serving
- Fat: 22g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 40g per serving
- Fiber: 4g per serving
- Protein: 35g per serving
🌟 Final Thoughts: Comfort Food with Weeknight Superpowers
Creamy Broccoli & Chicken Penne isn’t just a recipe—it’s a dinner lifesaver dressed in cheesy, cozy armor. It’s the dish you turn to when your fridge looks questionable, your time is tight, and your people (or your own stomach) need something soul-soothing stat. It’s quick, forgiving, and feels fancy enough to trick you into thinking you’ve got it all together—even if the laundry’s still on the couch.
What makes this pasta special? It’s customizable, crave-worthy, and crowd-approved. From picky eaters to pasta snobs, everyone digs in with zero complaints. And with just 30 minutes and one pan (ish), it won’t leave your sink looking like a war zone. Major win.
So whether it’s a snowy evening, a back-to-school rush, or just a Tuesday when you need a little joy, this pasta’s got your back. Creamy, dreamy, just-steamy-enough comfort in every bite.
You bring the appetite—I’ll bring the cheese. 🥦🍝💛
