There’s something deeply comforting about a big bowl of Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne. Every bite combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and vibrant green broccoli, all wrapped up in a luxuriously silky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s the kind of dinner that gathers everyone around the table, ready for seconds before the first helping is finished. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe brings a cozy, restaurant-worthy experience right into your kitchen.

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this recipe is how approachable yet transformative the ingredient list is. Each component doesn’t just play a part, it brings a specific flavor, texture, or pop of color that takes Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne from simple to seriously crave-worthy.

Penne pasta: The classic tube shape perfectly cradles all that creamy sauce in every bite.
Olive oil: Adds a rich base flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Chicken breasts: Tender, bite-sized pieces soak up all the sauce and make the dish heartier.
Broccoli florets: Bright, crisp, and full of color, they add freshness and a slight crunch.
Garlic: Infuses the cream sauce with irresistible fragrance and depth.
Heavy cream: The backbone of a velvety, luscious sauce—don’t skimp on this!
Chicken broth: Steams the broccoli quickly and enriches the sauce with savory notes.
Parmesan cheese: Delivers nutty, salty flavor and perfect meltability for the sauce.
Italian seasoning: Brings herby, aromatic balance to the dish.
Salt and pepper: Simple, but absolutely crucial to wake up all the other flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional): A shower of green freshness to finish, both for looks and taste.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne and cook it just until al dente for the best texture—it should still have a slight bite when you drain it. Set it aside, tossing with a tiny splash of olive oil to keep it from sticking while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkle on Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Pull out the chicken and set it aside; it’ll return for a glorious reunion with the pasta and sauce later.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Pour the chicken broth into that same skillet, add your broccoli florets, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let the broccoli steam until it’s bright green and just tender, about 3–4 minutes. You want it cooked but still vibrant and slightly crisp.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Push the broccoli to the side, lower the heat, and toss the minced garlic into the pan. Let it sizzle just until fragrant—watch closely, as garlic can burn fast. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything has melted into a silky, gorgeous sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken (and any juices!) to the pan, add the pasta, and gently toss everything together until well coated. The sauce should cling to every single piece of penne and bits of broccoli, making each bite creamy and flavor-packed. Taste and adjust with a little more salt and pepper if needed.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh parsley scattered on top not only makes the dish look restaurant-ready but also delivers a little hit of freshness that balances the richness. For extra flair, grate a touch more Parmesan right before serving—it’s irresistible!

Side Dishes

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or a pile of classic garlic bread. If you want to go even more indulgent, try a simple roasted vegetable medley on the side—the flavors all complement each other in such a satisfying way.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive dinner party look, mound portions onto shallow bowls, sprinkle liberally with parsley and cheese, and top with a few extra grinds of black pepper. Or try serving family-style in a big, colorful platter so everyone can help themselves—nothing brings people together like digging into Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne from the same dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate as soon as possible. Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne stays delicious for up to three days, though the pasta may continue to soak up the sauce and thicken a bit in the fridge.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne for future meals. Scoop servings into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure as little air as possible remains inside. Freeze for up to two months—just bring it out to thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for an easy, homemade dinner.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. The microwave works in a pinch, too—cover the dish and pause to stir halfway through. Either way, watch closely so the sauce doesn’t split or the chicken overcooks.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is classic for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, feel free to try rotini, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just aim for a noodle that’s sturdy enough to hold all the creamy sauce and other ingredients.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter version, but for the creamiest consistency and flavor, heavy cream is your best bet. If dairy is a concern, some unsweetened plant-based creams can work too.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for extra broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or even crispy chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a plant-based version that’s just as satisfying as the original.

What’s the best way to keep the sauce from getting grainy when reheating?

To keep the sauce smooth, always reheat slowly over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream. Avoid letting it come to a rapid boil, which can cause the dairy to separate and become grainy.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is super adaptable. Add in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, peas, or even sun-dried tomatoes for more color and nutrition. Just make sure anything you add gets cooked until tender before combining everything together.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much to love about homemade Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, from how quickly it comes together to the way it makes everyone around the table smile. If you need an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that never disappoints, this is it—give it a try and savor every creamy, comforting forkful!

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and creamy pasta dish, this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Instructions

Boil Penne Pasta: Cook penne pasta until al dente; set aside.
Sauté Chicken: In a skillet, sauté chicken in olive oil with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from skillet.
Steam Broccoli: Steam broccoli with chicken broth until tender.
Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until a smooth sauce forms.
Combine and Toss: Mix pasta, chicken, and broccoli with the sauce. Toss well to coat.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American