Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food that brings a warm, creamy richness to your table without feeling too heavy. With juicy chicken bites, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked penne pasta smothered in a velvety cream sauce, this dish is a perfect blend of protein, greens, and carbs. It’s the kind of dinner that looks fancy but is simple enough for a cozy weeknight meal.

What makes this pasta dish especially crave-worthy is the balance of flavors. The cream sauce is infused with garlic and parmesan, adding depth and savoriness. Meanwhile, the broccoli adds a pop of freshness and crunch, creating contrast against the tender pasta and seared chicken. Whether you’re making it for family, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests, this penne pasta will earn a spot in your regular rotation.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish—they’re lean, cook quickly, and absorb the flavor of the cream sauce beautifully. If you’re looking for extra juiciness or a richer flavor, you can also use boneless chicken thighs. Whichever you choose, make sure the chicken is cooked until golden on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients for the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Chicken breast – The primary protein in the dish, chicken adds heartiness and soaks up the creamy sauce flavors.

Penne pasta – Its tubular shape holds the sauce wonderfully, making each bite creamy and satisfying.

Broccoli florets – Adds a vibrant, fresh element that pairs beautifully with the richness of the sauce.

Heavy cream – The base of the luscious sauce, providing richness and silkiness.

Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty kick.

Garlic – Gives aromatic depth and elevates the overall flavor.

Olive oil – Used for searing the chicken and starting the flavor foundation.

Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.

Butter – Adds a touch of richness to the sauce.

Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs that ties the dish together with savory complexity.

How To Make the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Add them to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Set aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with additional salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the cooked penne pasta and mix everything until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Let everything heat together for a minute or two, then serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Serve this creamy pasta hot, right off the stove, for the best experience. Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a final touch of flavor.

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. For best results, reheat on the stove over medium-low heat while stirring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet so the sauce doesn’t get watery.

What other pasta can I substitute?

Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle are great alternatives that hold onto the sauce nicely.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative, though the flavor will change slightly.

Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?

Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions to bulk up the nutrition.

How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?

Use freshly grated parmesan and simmer the sauce gently without overheating, which helps keep it smooth and creamy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s meal-prep friendly. Just keep the components separate and combine when ready to serve for the best texture.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, you might also enjoy these satisfying and flavor-packed recipes:

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a zesty twist.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for more rich, cheesy indulgence.
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese when you’re craving ultimate comfort.
One Skillet Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta for a bold flavor punch.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce if you love easy, creamy skillet meals.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime you’re craving creamy pasta comfort.

And don’t forget to share your version in the comments! Did you switch up the veggies or try a different cheese? Any tips or additions to make it your own?

I’d love to see how you bring this dish to life in your kitchen. Let’s inspire each other to cook with flavor and creativity!

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a rich and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken, al dente penne, and crisp-tender broccoli tossed in a luxurious garlic-parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal that feels like comfort food made gourmet.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook penne until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and fully done. Set aside.
Sauté the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli and sauté until tender but still crisp. Set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce: Lower heat, melt butter, and add garlic. Sauté briefly, then add cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in parmesan and cook until thickened. Season to taste.
Combine Everything: Add chicken, broccoli, and pasta to the sauce. Stir to combine. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Heat together briefly and serve hot.