This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, fresh broccoli, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Quick, delicious, and comforting, it’s a family-favorite dinner for busy weeknights or cozy evenings at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple yet flavorful: A creamy, cheesy sauce pairs beautifully with chicken and broccoli.
Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight meals.

Nutritious: Broccoli adds a dose of healthy greens.
Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite veggies or protein options.
Crowd-pleaser: A comfort food classic everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz penne pasta
2 cups broccoli florets

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
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)

Directions

Cook pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

Thicken the sauce: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine: Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Variations

Add a kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy touch.
Swap proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or sausage.

Cheese options: Use Pecorino Romano or a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella.
Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or extra broccoli.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free penne pasta.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it to the pasta during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne is ideal, but you can use rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Cook the pasta and broccoli fresh for the best texture.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Simmer the cream gently over low heat and avoid boiling.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well and makes great leftovers. Store in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream and a plant-based Parmesan alternative.

What other vegetables can I add?

Try bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra color and flavor.

How can I lighten the dish?

Use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.

What should I serve with this pasta?

Pair it with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Packed with flavor, easy to customize, and quick to prepare, it’s perfect for busy evenings or a comforting weekend dinner. Try it today and enjoy a pasta dish that hits all the right notes!