Description
How to make creamy chicken broccoli pasta with tender chicken, crisp vegetables and rich cheese sauce that brings comfort to any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Flavor Builders
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Steam Broccoli: Add broccoli to the same skillet with chicken. Cover and cook 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove chicken and broccoli, set aside.
- Build Sauce: Add onion to the pan and cook 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in wine to deglaze.
- Create Cream: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and simmering. Stir in Italian seasoning and garlic powder, season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken and broccoli to pan. Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Toss until well coated, adding pasta water as needed for perfect consistency.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be bright green and tender-crisp for the best texture.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; the starch helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly.
- Add Parmesan cheese off the heat to prevent it from clumping and ruining your smooth sauce.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
- Fresh garlic makes a huge difference over jarred; don’t skip this important flavor component.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g