Nothing feels quite as comforting and satisfying as a warm, indulgent pasta dish that’s also packed with wholesome ingredients. This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe is exactly that—the perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and luscious creamy sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for a cozy dinner but comes together quickly enough for a weeknight treat, making it a timeless favorite in my kitchen. You’ll love how each forkful melds savory, cheesy goodness with fresh green bursts of broccoli in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors, adding texture, or creating that perfect creamy consistency. From the hearty chicken to the bright broccoli and silky Parmesan-laden sauce, these ingredients are essentials that come together effortlessly.
- 12 oz penne pasta: This tubular pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: For a wonderful crunch and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps in sautéing the chicken and garlic.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced: Provides lean protein and a meaty texture.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Imparts aromatic depth and warmth to the sauce.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious base of the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers sharpness and saltiness to enhance flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an herby, fragrant background note.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky touch and gentle warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and uplift all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the penne pasta and broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 10 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them until bright green and just tender. Drain both together, reserving about half a cup of pasta water to use later in the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the chicken and garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken seasoned lightly with salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the last minute, stir in the minced garlic to release its aroma without burning.
Step 3: Make the creamy sauce
Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the chicken and garlic. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and gradually sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into a luscious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine pasta, broccoli, and sauce
Return the drained penne and broccoli to the skillet, gently tossing everything together so the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce and warmed through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper as desired. This is where all the flavors meld beautifully, creating that harmonious, winning dish.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and subtle herbaceous notes that brighten the richness. You could also add an extra dusting of Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to contrast the creamy pasta. A crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia on the side provides a perfect vehicle to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or family gathering, serve the pasta in individual bowls topped with a sprig of fresh herbs or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Alternatively, plate it alongside roasted vegetables or sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top for an unexpected crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, although the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in portions and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Microwaving works too; just cover loosely and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle work great too. The key is choosing a pasta shape that can catch the creamy sauce well.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s an excellent meal prep option. Just store portions in airtight containers and reheat as needed for a convenient, tasty lunch or dinner.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
You can try using half-and-half or whole milk, but be aware the sauce will be less rich and might not thicken as well. Adding a small amount of flour or cornstarch can help maintain creaminess.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Great question! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach along with the broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor layers.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cutting the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and cooking it just until done helps keep it juicy. Avoid overcooking by monitoring the heat and time carefully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe is a winning dish that hits all the right notes—easy to make, bursting with wholesome ingredients, and incredibly satisfying. I encourage you to give it a try and share the comfort and joy it brings at your dinner table. Once you have this in your recipe rotation, it’ll quickly become one of those go-to meals everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it balances hearty protein and vegetables with a deliciously smooth sauce that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Steam the Broccoli: While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. You can use a steaming basket or microwave with a bit of water. Set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika during cooking for added flavor.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to medium, add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta and steamed broccoli florets to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is well coated with the creamy sauce and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for better texture and flavor.
- This dish can be made with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.
