If you are craving a hearty yet comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is exactly what you need. It masterfully combines tender chunks of chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. The flavors are balanced, satisfying, and so easy to fall in love with, making it a go-to recipe whether you are cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. I guarantee, once you make this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, it will quickly become a favorite in your home too!

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you—each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the bite of the broccoli to the juicy chicken, and finally the creamy sauce that ties everything together, these ingredients are essentials that shine on their own and in harmony.

12 oz penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto that velvety, creamy sauce in every bite.
2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant green color, enhancing both taste and nutrition.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced: Provides tender protein that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to perfectly sear the chicken and unlock deep flavors.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory depth that elevates the sauce.
1 cup chicken broth: Adds a subtle savory foundation to the creamy sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: The magic ingredient that creates the rich, luscious texture in the sauce.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully to create a cheesy, irresistible finish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the wonderful flavors.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with a perfect blend of herbs to tie the ingredients together.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a refreshing pop of color and brightness at the end.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Penne and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your penne pasta and cook it until just al dente according to the package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add your broccoli florets right into the same pot—trust me, it’s the easiest way to get perfectly tender but still crisp broccoli. Drain everything together and set it aside while we move on to the flavorful part.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add your diced chicken. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the chicken as it cooks. This step is so important because getting a nice browning on the chicken not only seals in the juices but also adds a great depth of flavor to the dish. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing already!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the hot skillet with the chicken. Let it cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant—just enough time for those wonderful garlic aromas to perfume the dish without burning. This little touch makes a huge difference in the overall flavor profile of the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating that luxurious, creamy base that will perfectly coat every piece of pasta and broccoli. Watching it come together is seriously satisfying!

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Now for the grand finale—add your cooked penne and broccoli back into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes silky smooth. Take a moment to taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. This step ensures all the flavors sing in harmony and that each forkful is perfectly balanced.

Step 6: Serve it Up!

Once everything is beautifully combined and heated through, it’s time to plate your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness that’s both appetizing and appealing.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch with this dish, adding a burst of green and subtle herbal notes that brighten every creamy bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few chili flakes can add a lovely gentle kick. A little extra Parmesan on top never hurts either, especially when it starts to melt right into that warm sauce.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider serving with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. These sides add fresh, crunchy textures and complementary flavors that balance the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne in shallow bowls to showcase the colorful blend of pasta and broccoli, topped with bright parsley. You can even sprinkle on toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for extra texture. For a casual twist, this dish is fantastic in meal prep containers, ready for an indulgent lunch or dinner anytime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne keep very well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. When stored properly, the flavors meld even more, making the next-day meal equally delightful.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dish, but keep in mind that the broccoli’s texture may soften a bit once thawed. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even warming without drying out the pasta or chicken.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine; just add it to the pasta water in the last few minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking. It’s a convenient substitute without sacrificing much texture or flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will be a little different but still creamy and delicious. Just be sure to adjust seasonings to complement the dairy-free ingredients.

What’s the best way to dice the chicken evenly?

Cutting chicken into similar-sized pieces ensures even cooking. Trim excess fat first, then slice into strips before dicing into bite-sized cubes. This helps the chicken cook thoroughly and brown beautifully.

Can I substitute another pasta shape for penne?

Definitely! Rigatoni, fusilli, or shells all work well because they hold sauces nicely. Penne is just classic for this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté or sprinkle some chili powder into the sauce. Fresh jalapeño slices sautéed with the chicken are also a great way to amp up the heat while keeping flavor complexity.

Final Thoughts

There is something endlessly satisfying about a dish like Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne—it’s comforting yet vibrant, simple but elegant, and always hits the spot when you want a fuss-free meal with impressive flavor. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. Give it a try soon, and watch it quickly become your go-to crowd-pleaser that’s easy to love and even easier to make!

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy broccoli and chicken penne recipe combines tender pasta, succulent chicken, and fresh broccoli in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish balances hearty protein with vibrant greens in a comforting and flavorful meal.

Instructions

Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
Cook Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne and broccoli to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor and melting quality.
Make sure not to overcook broccoli to maintain a slight crispness and vibrant color.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American