Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food you didn’t know you needed until now. Imagine tender penne pasta, lightly crisped chicken, and broccoli florets enveloped in a velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s the perfect harmony of hearty and fresh, making it equally suitable for a cozy night in or a casual dinner party. Every bite bursts with flavor, offering the savory satisfaction of a rich Alfredo-style dish without being overly heavy.

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s a practical weeknight dinner hero. With pantry-friendly ingredients and quick cooking time, it comes together effortlessly in one pan. Plus, it delivers that crave-worthy combination of lean protein, green veggies, and creamy pasta that everyone in the family will love. Whether you’re craving a pasta night upgrade or something fuss-free but impressive, this penne delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Wholesome and filling: Packed with juicy chicken and fiber-rich broccoli.
One-pan simplicity: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Creamy and comforting: The sauce is decadently smooth, with the perfect balance of garlic and Parmesan.
Customizable: Great with added mushrooms, spinach, or even a spicy kick.
Family-friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To ensure your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne turns out restaurant-quality at home, here are the essential tools and why each matters:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A wide, deep pan lets you cook everything in one place—from searing chicken to simmering pasta in sauce.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For safely and efficiently dicing the chicken and chopping fresh broccoli.
Pasta Strainer: A must for draining the penne without losing any to the sink.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement of cream, cheese, and spices ensures consistency.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your nonstick cookware.

Ingredients for the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Penne Pasta: Its ridged shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, giving each bite the perfect texture.
Chicken Breast: Lean, juicy, and protein-packed—this forms the hearty base of the meal.
Broccoli Florets: Adds color, crunch, and a boost of fiber and nutrients to balance the richness.
Heavy Cream: This is the key to achieving that dreamy, velvety sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty depth and enhances the creamy texture of the sauce.
Garlic: Brings a warm, savory punch to the flavor profile.
Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing garlic, adding subtle richness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
Italian Seasoning (optional): Adds a herby lift that complements the creamy components.

How To Make the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Cook until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a splash of olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, stirring gently until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained penne and broccoli. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or a sprinkle of parsley if desired.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is best enjoyed hot, right off the stove when the sauce is at its silkiest. Serve it with a slice of crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast.

For storing leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. While it can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, so fresh is always best if you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well—just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding to avoid extra water in the sauce.

What other pasta shapes can I use?

Short pastas like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also work well. Just choose one with enough texture to catch the sauce.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, and use grilled or poached chicken to cut back on oil.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Just use gluten-free penne and check that your Parmesan and cream are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just skip the chicken and maybe toss in mushrooms or chickpeas for some extra bite.

What herbs pair well with this dish?

Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme can elevate the flavor with a fresh aromatic note.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re a fan of this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, don’t stop here! These other hearty pasta favorites are just as crave-worthy:

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta for a rich sun-dried tomato twist.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni if you love bold, meaty flavor.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for that baked, bubbly cheese goodness.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta to bring a spicy Southern kick.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders as a zesty side or main course.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or a spicy touch? Maybe swapped the cream? I love seeing how you personalize these dishes.

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