Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

If you crave cozy comfort food with vibrant veggies and plenty of savory flavor, look no further! Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a weeknight hero that blends tender bites of chicken, just-bright broccoli, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, all tangled up with penne pasta. It’s a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily at home, making it perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with your pasta prowess. From the very first forkful, you’ll understand why this recipe is a regular in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about simple ingredients coming together in just the right way. Each element in Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne plays its part, lending lush texture, irresistible flavor, or a pop of vibrant color.

• Penne pasta: Its tubular shape is perfect for catching drips of creamy sauce and bites of broccoli.
• Olive oil: Adds a smooth, subtle richness to the chicken as it cooks.
• Chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks up juicy and flavorful—ideal for soaking up all that sauce.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh, green crunch and color bring balance and nutrition to the dish.
• Garlic: Three cloves go in for bold, aromatic depth that perfumed the cream sauce beautifully.
• Heavy cream: The backbone of the sauce, creating that signature silky texture.
• Chicken broth: A splash enhances the sauce with gentle savoriness and a little extra moisture.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings cheesy saltiness and irresistible tang to every bite.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that instantly elevates both the chicken and sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance. Taste as you go!
• Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the finished plate and adds fresh, herby notes just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the penne. Cook until nicely al dente (meaning just tender but with a pleasant bite). Drain and set aside—be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will absorb more sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a roomy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add your seasoned chicken pieces and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, a little salt, and pepper. Sauté until golden on the outside and juicy on the inside—about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate so it stays tender while you finish the rest.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet (no need to wash it out; those little browned bits are flavor gold). Pour in the chicken broth and steam, stirring occasionally, until broccoli turns a vivid green and is fork-tender—usually 3-4 minutes. Remove broccoli and set aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and toss the minced garlic into the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (watch closely to avoid burning). Pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, whisking well so everything melts into a unified, smooth sauce. Let it gently simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens up just right.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the pan, along with the drained penne pasta. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything so the sauce hugs every piece. Taste for seasoning and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed. That’s it—your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is ready to serve fresh and hot!

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Garnishes

A flurry of chopped fresh parsley instantly lifts the look and taste of Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne. For extra decadence, shower on a little more grated Parmesan just before serving. If you have some fresh lemon zest, a pinch will add a surprising brightness that wakes up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think garlic bread for soaking up sauce, or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. Sometimes I like to serve roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled asparagus for extra veggie goodness alongside Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne.

Creative Ways to Present

You can give Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne an elegant twist by serving it in individual bowls with a sprig of parsley and a swirl of sauce on top. For a family-style feast, pile everything in a warmed serving dish and bring it straight to the table, encouraging everyone to help themselves while the pasta is silky hot.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers make a very satisfying lunch the next day!

Freezing

This pasta can be frozen, though the cream sauce may become a bit less silky after thawing. For best results, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, mixing every 30 seconds so the sauce warms evenly and stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is classic for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, any sturdy, short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work well and hold onto the creamy sauce.

Can I add more veggies to this dish?

Definitely. Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes are delicious additions. Just sauté or steam them along with the broccoli for extra flavor and color.

Can I make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne lighter?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten the sauce, or use cooked chicken breast from leftovers or rotisserie chicken to cut prep time and fat content.

Is there a dairy-free option?

For a dairy-free version, use your favorite unflavored, unsweetened plant cream and a vegan Parmesan alternative. It won’t be quite as rich as the original but will still be full of flavor!

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Keep the heat gentle when you add the cream and cheese, and stir continuously. If the sauce seems too thick or starts to split, a splash of warm broth can help bring everything back together smoothly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited to whip up Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne as I always do! It’s pure comfort with a little green goodness and guaranteed to put smiles around your table. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new staple in your dinner rotation.

Print