Name: Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced or cubed; 3-4 cups broccoli florets; Olive oil, as needed for cooking; 16 oz penne pasta; 2 sticks butter (1 cup); 2 cups heavy cream; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons paprika; 2 teaspoons white pepper (or black pepper); 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Extra grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving something comforting yet fresh and packed with flavor, this Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo might just become your new go-to dinner. Picture tender chicken pieces cooked to juicy perfection, vibrant bright-green broccoli florets, and perfectly al dente penne pasta all coated in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce that’s rich with buttery goodness and freshly grated Parmesan. This dish brings together simple ingredients in one luscious bowl, making it a timeless family favorite that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo plays its part beautifully: from the tender chicken adding protein and heartiness, to the broccoli’s crisp bite and bright color, while the creamy sauce ties everything together into one irresistible dish.

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced or cubed: Choose fresh chicken for juicy, flavorful bites that absorb the seasoning well.
3-4 cups broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color and a healthy crunch that balances the creamy sauce.
Olive oil: For cooking the chicken to a nice, golden crisp without overpowering flavors.
16 oz penne pasta: Perfectly shaped to hold sauce in every bite, making each forkful creamy and satisfying.
2 sticks of butter (1 cup): The foundation of the Alfredo sauce, giving it that rich, silky texture.
2 cups heavy cream: Adds decadence to the sauce and melts beautifully with the cheese.
2 teaspoons paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky warmth and eye-catching color.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a punch of aromatic flavor that elevates the whole dish.
2 teaspoons white pepper (or black pepper): Adds gentle heat and depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient for that authentic, nutty, cheesy Alfredo taste.
Extra grated Parmesan for garnish (optional): For a finishing touch that amps up the cheesiness and presentation.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until it’s tender but still has a slight bite to it (al dente). Drain the pasta well and pour it back into the warm pot to keep it cozy while you prepare everything else.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the diced chicken and let it sear without moving it too much for a couple of minutes to get those beautiful crispy edges. Then lower the heat to medium and continue cooking the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and golden all over. This method locks in moisture for perfectly tender chicken chunks.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli

Next, get another pot of water boiling and add your broccoli florets. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until they turn a bright, vibrant green and soften just enough to still keep a little bite. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process and preserve their beautiful color. Set the broccoli aside for now.

Step 4: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in the heavy cream, paprika, white pepper, and minced garlic until smooth and fragrant. Heat the mixture until it’s hot but not boiling, then gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fully and forms a silky sauce. Let it reach a gentle boil, then immediately turn off the heat and continue whisking as the sauce thickens to the perfect creamy consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour the Alfredo sauce over the warm penne pasta and toss gently to coat every piece. Next, fold in the tender chicken and vibrant broccoli so everything combines evenly. The heat from the pasta and chicken helps meld all these delicious flavors together, creating that irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo that’s ready to be served!

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan on top to add a sharp, cheesy kick and a bit of visual appeal. If you want to take it further, a little chopped fresh parsley or cracked black pepper makes for a colorful and tasty finish that complements the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish is so satisfying on its own, but if you want to fancy it up, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread toasted to perfection adds a lovely contrast of textures and bright flavors. Roasted cherry tomatoes would also bring a juicy, sweet note alongside the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo in wide, shallow bowls to showcase all the colors and textures. You can even portion it into individual ramekins and broil just the tops with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a bubbly, golden crust. It’s a simple way to impress guests or make mealtime feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo refrigerates beautifully for up to 3 days when stored in airtight containers. The sauce thickens naturally, so don’t worry if it looks a bit dense at first.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the broccoli will soften further after thawing, so this works best if you plan to reheat the dish quickly.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently over low heat, stirring often until everything is heated through. This keeps the Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo creamy and luscious without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, you can substitute with rigatoni, fettuccine, or even farfalle depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add extra broccoli or other vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version that still has plenty of flavor and texture.

How can I lighten up this Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo?

Try swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream, and reduce the butter slightly. Using less cheese or a lower-fat variety can also help, but keep in mind the dish won’t be as rich and creamy.

Can this be made dairy-free?

With some substitutions, yes! Use dairy-free butter alternatives, coconut or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and a plant-based Parmesan substitute. The flavors will change but it can still be very tasty.

What’s the best way to get the cheese to melt smoothly in the sauce?

Adding the Parmesan gradually while whisking constantly over moderate heat prevents clumping and ensures a creamy sauce. Avoid boiling after adding cheese too long, or it might seize up.

Final Thoughts

Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo is one of those dishes that warms you from the inside out while feeling effortlessly elegant. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and see why it’s become such a cherished favorite in my kitchen. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo combines tender chicken breasts, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, heavy cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Infused with a hint of paprika and pepper, this comforting Italian-American dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or gathering, delivering a delicious balance of protein, vegetables, and indulgent flavor.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 12-15 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and pour it back into the pot.
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet with a little olive oil over high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for a few minutes to crisp the edges, then reduce to medium heat and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
Cook the Broccoli: In a separate pot, add the broccoli florets to boiling water and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender and bright green. Drain and rinse gently with cool water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan or skillet, combine butter and heavy cream. Add minced garlic, paprika, and white pepper. Whisk together and heat over medium to high heat until hot but not boiling.
Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan to the sauce, whisking continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Raise heat to bring sauce to a gentle boil, then turn off the heat and whisk again. The sauce should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon but not overly thick.
Combine Everything: Pour the Alfredo sauce over the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli and gently stir to combine all ingredients.
Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if desired.

Notes

After refrigerating leftovers, the Alfredo sauce tends to thicken. Adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating will restore its creamy consistency.
To save time, you can steam broccoli instead of boiling it.
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds better when tossed in sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American