Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli and Penne – A Creamy, Irresistible Delight 🍝
🌟 Introduction
When comfort meets flavor, magic happens — and Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli and Penne is pure magic in a skillet. This dish brings together juicy, tender chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked penne pasta — all enveloped in a silky garlic butter cream sauce.
It’s a dinner that checks every box: creamy yet light, rich yet balanced, indulgent yet wholesome. The golden chicken, savory garlic, and vibrant broccoli come together like a symphony of flavor, perfect for cozy family dinners, date nights, or meal prep for the week.
🍴 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) broccoli florets (fresh or blanched)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
For Garnish:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Squeeze of lemon (optional, for brightness)
👨🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water. Set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Base:
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn it — garlic burns quickly!). - Create the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan for flavor.
Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. - Add Broccoli and Chicken:
Stir in broccoli and cooked chicken. Let it simmer for another 3–4 minutes until the broccoli is tender and coated with sauce. - Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked penne to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness!
🍳 Methods
- Searing: Locks in the chicken’s moisture and adds caramelized flavor.
- Deglazing: Chicken broth lifts flavorful bits from the pan to enrich the sauce.
- Cream Reduction: Simmering thickens and melds flavors without needing flour.
- Finishing with Pasta: Ensures every piece is coated in creamy sauce.
🕰️ History
The inspiration for this dish comes from the Italian-American kitchen — where pasta, cream, and garlic meet in a dance of indulgence. The combination of garlic butter and cream sauce has its roots in traditional Italian aglio e olio (garlic and oil pasta) and evolved in American kitchens with the addition of cream and cheese for richness. The addition of chicken and broccoli brings a wholesome, family-style twist — transforming a simple pasta into a complete, hearty meal.
🌿 Benefits
- 🧄 Garlic goodness: Boosts immunity and adds deep flavor.
- 🥦 Nutrient-rich broccoli: High in vitamins C and K, and packed with fiber.
- 🍗 Protein-packed chicken: Supports muscle repair and energy.
- 🧈 Healthy fats: From butter and olive oil for flavor and satiety.
- 🍝 Balanced meal: Combines carbs, protein, and veggies in one dish.
🧩 Formation (Texture & Structure)
- Chicken: Juicy, golden, and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Pasta: Al dente — soft with a pleasant bite.
- Sauce: Creamy, velvety, and infused with garlic butter aroma.
- Broccoli: Bright green and tender-crisp, adding freshness and crunch.
💞 Lovers of This Recipe
This creamy masterpiece is adored by:
- Garlic lovers who can’t resist that buttery aroma.
- Families who want hearty, complete meals.
- Busy cooks looking for a quick, one-pan dinner.
- Cheese enthusiasts who crave rich, Parmesan-kissed sauces.
- Romantics who believe comfort food is love served warm.
💬 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or buttery rolls.
- Add crisp bacon bits or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for balance.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade.
✨ Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli and Penne is more than just dinner — it’s a creamy embrace in a bowl. Each forkful delivers juicy chicken, tender pasta, and vibrant broccoli wrapped in luxurious sauce. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough for guests.
A true comfort classic, this recipe reminds us that sometimes the most satisfying meals come from humble, familiar ingredients cooked with love and balance.
❤️ Conclusion with Lovers
Those who fall for this dish say it’s “comfort on a plate — rich, garlicky, and full of heart.” It’s for those who find joy in creamy pasta twirls, laughter around the dinner table, and the warmth of home-cooked meals that bring people closer together.