When you’re craving the perfect mix of comfort food and nutrition, Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a winning choice. It’s creamy yet balanced, indulgent yet packed with lean protein and vegetables. This one-pot pasta dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything: the step-by-step recipe, substitutions, pro cooking tips, nutrition breakdown, storage solutions, and FAQs—so your pasta turns out perfectly every time.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Balanced & wholesome – Chicken = lean protein, broccoli = fiber & vitamins.
- Family-friendly – Creamy, cheesy flavor loved by kids and adults.
- Customizable – Swap pasta, protein, or sauce base to fit your preferences.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon zest, fresh parsley
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-free → Use gluten-free pasta.
- Low-fat → Replace cream with Greek yogurt or evaporated milk.
- Dairy-free → Use coconut cream or cashew cream, plus nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Protein swap → Try shrimp, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne until al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions).
- In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets to the same pot.
- Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2 – Cook the chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (6–7 minutes).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3 – Build the sauce
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (2–3 minutes).
- Pour in chicken broth and cream, stirring gently.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4 – Combine everything
- Add chicken back into the skillet.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add drained pasta and broccoli, tossing well.
- If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.
Step 5 – Garnish & serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Finish with parsley, lemon zest, or chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.
🥦 Pro Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook broccoli – Add it in the last minutes of pasta boiling for bright green, crisp-tender florets.
- Cheese matters – Always use freshly grated Parmesan; pre-grated versions can make the sauce grainy.
- Creamy hack – Reserve pasta water; the starch helps emulsify and thicken the sauce naturally.
- Meal-prep friendly – Double the recipe and portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
📊 Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbs: 48 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
🍽️ Variations & Serving Ideas
- Spicy twist – Add Cajun seasoning or extra chili flakes.
- Extra veggies – Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Cheesy upgrade – Mix Parmesan with mozzarella or Asiago.
- Wine pairing – Serve with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months (cream-based sauces may need extra stirring when reheated).
- Reheat: Warm in skillet with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work just as well.
Q: How do I make this lighter?
Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and reduce cheese by half.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—skip chicken and add extra broccoli, mushrooms, or chickpeas.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese, and stir continuously.
✅ Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the ultimate weeknight pasta: hearty, nourishing, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or entertaining, it delivers rich flavor and comforting texture in every bite.
Give it a try tonight—you’ll see why it’s a 5-star pasta favorite.
