There’s something magical about the way tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and penne pasta come together in a silky, creamy sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug — rich enough to satisfy, yet balanced and wholesome.
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is more than just another pasta recipe; it’s a complete meal that hits all the right notes: protein, greens, and carbs in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or looking to impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish made right at home — this recipe delivers every time.
💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes, less cleanup, and more flavor.
- Ready in 30 minutes: Ideal for weeknights when you want something comforting but quick.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults both love its creamy texture and mild flavor.
- Nutritious balance: Lean chicken and broccoli give you protein and fiber without heaviness.
- Easily customizable: Swap proteins, change the pasta type, or make it vegetarian — it’s endlessly flexible.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this dish shine — each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
→ Lean and tender, the perfect protein for creamy pasta. - 2 cups broccoli florets
→ Adds color, crunch, and nutrients while balancing the richness. - 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
→ Holds sauce beautifully with its ridges and tube shape. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Helps brown the chicken and infuse flavor. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Aromatics that build the savory foundation. - 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
→ The base of that luscious creamy sauce. - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Melts into the sauce for depth and saltiness. - ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
→ Adds a subtle herby balance. - Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
→ Helps emulsify and thin the sauce to perfection.
Optional add-ins: red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, sautéed mushrooms, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Chef’s tip: Slightly undercook the pasta — it will finish in the sauce and soak up more flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — browning gives depth of flavor.
3. Blanch the Broccoli
In the same boiling water (or separately), quickly blanch the broccoli florets for 1–2 minutes until vibrant green and crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
4. Build the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet you cooked the chicken, add a little olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything
Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Add the cooked penne and toss gently to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Simmer for 1–2 minutes, letting the pasta absorb all that creamy goodness.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil for a chef’s finishing touch.
👨🍳 Chef’s Pro Tips
- For extra depth: Deglaze the pan after cooking chicken with a splash of white wine or chicken broth before adding cream.
- Lighter version: Use milk thickened with 1 teaspoon cornstarch instead of cream.
- Cream separation fix: Keep heat medium-low when adding cheese — high heat can make dairy split.
- Meal-prep trick: Store pasta and sauce separately to prevent over-softening when reheating.
🧂 Variations You’ll Love
- Spicy Cajun Twist: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or chili flakes for a kick.
- Bacon Lovers: Stir in crispy bacon or pancetta bits for smoky richness.
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté mushrooms with garlic before adding cream for an earthy flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use roasted chickpeas or tofu.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap penne for gluten-free pasta made from lentils or rice.
🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
Values may vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw and pat dry before adding — it’ll work perfectly.
2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but mix in 1 tsp cornstarch with cold milk before heating to thicken the sauce.
3. What other pasta works well?
Fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini all hold creamy sauces beautifully.
4. How can I make this dairy-free?
Use unsweetened almond milk + nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
5. Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! Cook the pasta and chicken, store separately, and mix with sauce before serving for the best texture.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy pasta with:
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon
✨ Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of simple ingredients and one skillet, you can create a dish that’s creamy, balanced, and bursting with flavor.
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight treat, this pasta never disappoints — it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to, week after week.
Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Creamy. Hearty. Unforgettable.
