If there’s a dish that knows how to check every box—comforting, hearty, creamy, and downright crave-worthy—it’s Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne. Tender pasta and juicy chicken breast are cloaked in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, with fresh broccoli adding the perfect pop of color and crunch. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this comforting pasta always finds a way to bring everyone to the table, forks at the ready and appetites wide open. Quick and easy enough for busy evenings, yet impressive enough for guests, this is the sort of meal you’ll find yourself coming back to, week after week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne are beautifully simple, yet each one is perfectly selected to bring richness, flavor, and balance. Making this dish feels almost effortless, because every item on this list has a special role—nothing more, nothing less.
- Penne pasta: Its ridges and tubes hold creamy sauce like a dream—feel free to sub with gluten-free pasta if you need.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for fast, even cooking and plenty of flavor in every forkful.
- Olive oil: A light sauté ensures our chicken has a beautiful golden sear and subtle richness.
- Broccoli florets: Bright green, slightly crisp, and they sneak in veggies in a way everyone loves.
- Garlic: Crushed and sautéed for deep aromatic flavor that permeates every bite.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that signature luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce balanced instead of overly rich.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Bold, salty-cheesy flavor that thickens the sauce and ties everything together.
- Salt and black pepper: The essentials for bringing every ingredient to life.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just a tiny pinch delivers a little heat and intrigue.
- Butter: Added at just the right moment for extra silkiness and an inviting sheen.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Step 1: Boil the Penne and Broccoli
Start off by boiling your penne pasta according to package directions, but here’s a little secret: in the last two minutes, add your broccoli florets directly into the same pot. This shortcut not only saves you a pan to wash, it lets the broccoli soak up some of that flavorful pasta water, making it tender but still beautifully green. Drain both together and set aside—easy and efficient.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
While your pasta and broccoli finish up, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in those chicken pieces and let them sizzle, stirring occasionally until each piece is golden on the outside and cooked through in the middle. This should take about 5-6 minutes, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Move the cooked chicken to a plate and get ready for the next flavor building block.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Magic
In that same skillet (no need for extra dishes!), drop in a tablespoon of butter, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for just a minute or two—enough to turn everything fragrant and delightful, but not brown. Now pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to blend. Raise the heat and bring it to a gentle simmer, so the flavors meld and the sauce starts to thicken. Sprinkle in the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Now for the best part: add your cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli right into the skillet. Toss everything together so the creamy sauce coats every nook and cranny. Let it all heat through for another 2 minutes. The end result is Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne that’s glossy, aromatic, and ready to steal the show. Serve it warm, straight from the pan or portioned onto plates with extra Parmesan if you feel fancy.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan is always a good idea, but you can also elevate your creamy broccoli and chicken penne with chopped fresh parsley, a dash more red pepper flakes, or a few shavings of lemon zest for brightness. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving adds a lovely gloss and subtle flavor pop.
Side Dishes
This pasta is deliciously complete on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette and warm, crusty bread make natural companions. Roasted asparagus or a platter of sliced tomatoes can add even more color and freshness to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne for a special occasion, try dishing it into individual pasta bowls and topping each with a nest of fresh arugula or microgreens. For family style, pile it high in a big serving platter, sprinkle generously with Parmesan, and let everyone serve themselves—guaranteed to bring big smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature first to keep everything fresh and safe. The sauce may thicken a bit, which is totally normal after refrigeration.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion out the pasta into airtight, freezer-safe containers. The sauce is best enjoyed fresh but will hold up for about 1 month in the freezer. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just know that the cream sauce may separate slightly, but a quick stir will usually bring it back together.
Reheating
To reheat Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring each time, to avoid drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I make this dish lighter?
Absolutely! For a lighter version of creamy broccoli and chicken penne, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a mix of milk and a little extra chicken broth. The sauce will be a bit thinner but still full of flavor.
What’s the best way to cut chicken for even cooking?
Cut your boneless, skinless chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This helps each piece cook at the same rate, prevents dryness, and guarantees every forkful includes a bit of juicy chicken.
Can I use different vegetables?
Definitely! While broccoli is classic in this creamy dish, asparagus, peas, or even baby spinach can work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time so your veggies stay bright and tender.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
You can skip the chicken and use a plant-based protein like sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll still have a deliciously satisfying creamy pasta!
What type Main Course
Freshly grated Parmesan is your friend when making creamy broccoli and chicken penne—it melts beautifully and delivers unbeatable flavor versus the pre-shredded kind.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne a place in your dinner rotation—there’s nothing quite like that first twirl of creamy, cheesy pasta with crisp-tender broccoli and juicy chicken. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels special yet simple. When you’re craving feel-good comfort, this one-pan wonder is ready for you!
Print
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting and satisfying Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta in a rich Parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
12 oz
Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Olive Oil:
1 tbsp
Broccoli Florets:
3 cups
Garlic:
3 cloves, minced
Heavy Cream:
1 ½ cups
Chicken Broth:
½ cup
Parmesan Cheese:
1 cup, grated
Salt:
½ tsp
Black Pepper:
¼ tsp
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
¼ tsp
Butter:
1 tbsp
Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Brown chicken in olive oil until cooked. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter. Add cream, broth, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Toss chicken, pasta, and broccoli in the sauce. Heat through and serve.
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Enhance with mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
