Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

This protein-packed skillet combines tender chicken breast with nutrient-rich greens for a perfect weeknight dinner solution. The aromatic garlic infuses every bite with savory depth while the combination of vibrant broccoli and wilted spinach creates a colorful plate that's as nutritious as it is satisfying. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something healthy but had zero energy for complex cooking. My husband, typically skeptical of 'green' dinners, went back for seconds and now requests this regularly. The combination of tender chicken with slightly crisp broccoli created converts of my entire family.

Kitchen Essentials

• Chicken breasts (2 boneless, skinless): Select plump, even-sized pieces for consistent cooking; organic free-range provides superior flavor and texture
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic delivers incomparable depth; look for firm bulbs without sprouting for the cleanest flavor
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Choose extra virgin for its fruity undertones that complement the savory chicken
• Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of all components
• Broccoli (1 head, cut into florets): Look for deep green heads with tight florets; smaller stems offer tenderer texture
• Spinach (2 cups, fresh): Baby spinach provides milder flavor while mature leaves offer more substantial texture
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated): Creates a savory, crispy exterior; always grate your own for superior melting
• Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): This herb blend adds aromatic complexity; look for varieties containing basil, oregano, and thyme

Cooking Instructions

Protein Preparation:

Cut chicken breasts into evenly sized pieces approximately 1-inch thick. Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and paprika if using. Even thickness ensures all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing dry or undercooked portions.

Garlic Infusion:

Heat olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This critical step infuses the oil with garlic flavor that will permeate the entire dish.

Protein Cooking:

Place seasoned chicken pieces in the hot, garlic-infused oil without overcrowding the pan. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Resting Period:

Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest while preparing other ingredients. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum tenderness.

Vegetable Preparation:

While chicken rests, add broccoli florets and spinach to the same skillet with a splash of water. Cover tightly and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften around edges while maintaining their shape.

Final Assembly:

Return chicken to the pan with vegetables, immediately adding the prepared sauce. Toss continuously as sauce bubbles and thickens, coating each piece evenly. Add cooked noodles, using tongs to incorporate thoroughly while maintaining noodle integrity. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for both presentation and flavor enhancement.

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My Italian grandmother insisted pasta water should 'taste like the sea' for proper seasoning. While I initially thought she was exaggerating, I've discovered she was absolutely right—properly salted pasta forms the foundation of a well-seasoned dish. She would approve of this recipe's technique of cooking each component in the same pan, building flavors that simply cannot be achieved when ingredients are cooked separately.

Mealtime Companions

This versatile pasta dish pairs beautifully with complementary sides to create a memorable meal. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. Oven-roasted cherry tomatoes burst with concentrated sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly. For bread lovers, crusty Italian bread or garlic knots offer the perfect vehicle for capturing any remaining sauce. During summer months, I often serve this alongside a large salad with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes for a lighter approach that still satisfies.

Creative Variations

Transform this flexible recipe to suit various preferences and occasions. Mediterranean inspired version features sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Seafood enthusiasts might add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, and olives to the skillet during the last five minutes of cooking. For a vegetarian variation, replace chicken with chickpeas sautéed in the same aromatic marinade, creating a protein-rich alternative that maintains the dish's garlic character. My sister makes a wonderful autumn version with butternut squash added to the pasta, complementing the sweetness with subtle warmth.

Leftover Magic

Maximize the convenience of this dish by properly storing leftovers for future meals. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to three days, keeping everything fresh without absorbing refrigerator odors. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. For best results, reheat in a skillet rather than using a microwave, which can make the cheese coating tough. These leftovers also freeze surprisingly well—cook completely, cool fully, then wrap individually in foil before freezing for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water.

This garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach recipe has become my reliable solution for those evenings when nutritious cooking seems impossible. The simplicity of preparation combined with impressive flavor makes it a standby in my weekly rotation. What I love most is watching people take their first bite—there's always that moment of pleasant surprise when they discover how the simple ingredients transform into something so flavorful. This recipe represents the best of healthy cooking: fresh ingredients, straightforward preparation, and results that nourish both body and spirit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute penne with any medium-sized pasta like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle. Just be sure to cook according to package instructions for al dente texture.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

To make a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use half-and-half. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan and add a bit more broth.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 2 days ahead. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add mushrooms or white beans for extra protein.

→ What side dishes go well with this pasta?

This pasta pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, it's perfectly fine on its own since it already contains protein, carbs, and vegetables.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Cream-based pasta dishes tend not to freeze well as the sauce can separate when thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.