Eatin a bowl of Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is like gettin wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold night. This tasty dish brings tender chicken, bright broccoli, and penne pasta thats cooked just right in a thick, creamy sauce. Its a comforting meal that fills your belly and gives you some good nutrition, makin it a favorite in lots of homes.
Creamy pasta dishes have a special spot in the world of comfort food cuz they make you feel all warm and homely. They are great for family dinners, hangouts with friends, or even if you just wanna chill and eat alone after a long day. The mix of that rich, velvety sauce and the hearty bits makes eating this dish more than just about livin on food. Plus, creamy pasta dishes let you play around and try different versions to suit different diets and tastes.
Besides bein a comfort food, Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is also packed with nutritious goodies. It gets lean protein from the chicken and important vitamins from the broccoli, while the pasta gives you carbs to keep you goin. With the right balance, you get a meal thats yummy and good for you, makin it perfect for those who want comfort food without givin in to too many health worries.
What is Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne?
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a super tasty pasta dish that really makes you feel cozy. It comes with tender chicken chunks, bright green broccoli, and penne pasta all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. The sauce is normally made from heavy cream and a mix of cheeses which makes every bite feel special.
These kinds of pasta recipes started back in Italian cooking, where pasta with cream based sauces has always been common. Even if its hard to say exactly where Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne came from, different versions of creamy pasta have changed over time to fit different tastes. The combo of chicken, broccoli, and pasta is really popular, especially in family cookin where hearty meals are loved.
Because of this, lots of cooks around the world come up with their own takes on the dish. Both professional chefs and people cookin at home try different pasta shapes, sauces, and veggies to make their own style. Penne is still a classic choice cauze its tube shape holds the sauce really well, but you can use other pastas like fusilli, farfalle, or even whole wheat ones if you want.
III. Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
To make this delish Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, you need a bunch of fresh and tasty ingredients. Here's a list of must-haves that make this dish such a hit:
- Chicken breast: Best if its boneless and skinless for a lean protein boost.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets that add a pop of color and important nutrients.
- Penne pasta: A classic choice cuz its shape holds the creamy sauce so well.
- Cream: Heavy cream gives it that rich texture, but you can use half-and-half if you want it lighter.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves to give a nice, aromatic flavor base.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated to bring the best flavor and extra creaminess.
- Olive oil: For sautéeing the chicken and adding a bit of richness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs like basil and oregano to kick up the flavor.
When choosin your ingredients, try to use good quality and fresh products. Look for broccoli that is bright and free of brown spots, and chicken thats not loaded with extra hormones or antibiotics. Also, freshly grated cheese usually makes a big difference so avoid the prepackaged ones if you can.
If you got any dietary restrictions or different preferences, there are a few options you might wanna try:
- Whole wheat penne for a healthier carb option.
- Spinach or kale can be tossed in for some extra greens and nutrients.
- You can swap Parmesan for other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar if you like a different flavor twist.
IV. Detailed Recipe Section
A. Preparation Instructions
Follow these steps to put together your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne:
1. Ingredients Preparation
First off, get your ingredients ready before you start cookin:
- Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets so they cook evenly.
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook fast.
- Measure out the pasta and all the other ingredients so you dont have to stop mid-cookin.
2. Cooking Instructions
Now, lets start cookin:
- Boil a big pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until its al dente. Save about a cup of the pasta water before you drain it.
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat, then add in the diced chicken. Sauté it until its nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell it.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, then add in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it up until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens a bit.
- Throw the broccoli into the skillet and cook until it gets tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix the cooked penne with the chicken and broccoli sauce, adding the reserved pasta water bit by bit to get the sauce just the way you like it.
- Toss all of it together and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste.
B. Cooking Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips to help you get that perfect creamy finish:
- Make sure the pasta is drained al dente cuz it will keep cookin when it mixes with the sauce.
- When you mix everything, you can change the creaminess by addin a little reserved pasta water at a time.
- If you dont wanna clean too many dishes, you can try a one-pot chicken and rice method by addin the broccoli during the last few minutes of the pasta cookin and then mix it all together right in the same pot.
C. Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, try servin your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne with some of these sides:
- Garlic bread for a crunch that goes well with the pasta.
- Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top for extra flavor.
- A pinch of crushed red pepper if you like a little heat.
If you got any leftovers, just store the extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, do it gently on the stove over low heat, and add a splash of cream or pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Enjoy eatin!
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 skillet
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked penne and broccoli to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
