Looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious? This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a weeknight winner! Tender penne pasta is tossed with juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce that comes together in just one pan. It’s family-friendly, full of flavor, and perfect for those evenings when you want comfort food without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just craving something creamy and hearty, this simple pasta dish hits the spot every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes = a happier you. Everything cooks up in just one pot!
- Creamy & Comforting: The sauce is rich, velvety, and totally crave-worthy—without being heavy.
- Balanced & Nutritious: Get your greens in! Broccoli adds fiber, color, and a fresh bite.
- Kid-Approved: Cheesy pasta with chicken? Even picky eaters won’t say no.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a go-to for busy weeks.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
This creamy broccoli and chicken penne comes together with simple, everyday ingredients—but don’t let that fool you. The flavor is restaurant-quality, and the creaminess is next level. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it happen:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Don’t worry—this dish sounds fancy, but it’s incredibly easy to make. Everything comes together in under 30 minutes and uses just one pan (plus the pot for pasta). Let’s break it down step by step:
Step 1: Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water (if using instead of broth), then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and no longer pink in the center—about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the broccoli and garlic
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. Toss in the broccoli and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender. For softer broccoli, cover the pan for a minute to steam.
Step 4: Make the creamy sauce
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Bring it all together
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through and creamy.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you’d like. Grab a fork and dig into the creamy, cozy goodness!
Servings and Timing
This creamy broccoli and chicken penne is just the right mix of cozy and convenient—perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the days ahead. It’s quick to throw together and makes plenty, so you can enjoy it fresh or save some for later!
- Servings: 4 hearty portions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Tips and Variations
Want to mix things up or make it even easier? Here are a few fun ways to customize your creamy penne:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Short on time? Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and skips a step!
- Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free penne pasta—just cook according to package directions.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Craving heat? A dash of cayenne or extra red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- Cheesy Boost: Stir in shredded mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra gooey goodness.
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and bulk it up with chickpeas or extra veggies instead!
Storage
Made a big batch? No problem—this creamy broccoli and chicken penne stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
- Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
- Freezer: You can freeze it, though the sauce may separate a little upon reheating. Let the dish cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat slowly and stir well.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just add it straight to the pan—no need to thaw first. It may be a bit softer than fresh, but still delicious.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, whole milk with a bit of butter, or a mix of milk and cream cheese can work in a pinch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats really well. Just store it in the fridge and reheat with a splash of liquid to keep it creamy.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. It’s creamy, cheesy, and not spicy—great for picky eaters. You can always leave out the red pepper flakes.
Can I add more protein?
Sure! Add crispy bacon, cooked sausage, or even shrimp for a fun twist.
What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Penne holds the sauce really well, but you can also use rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, peas, or spinach.
There you have it—Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne that’s rich, comforting, and totally doable on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this recipe is here to make your life easier and more delicious.
Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!
Related Recipes to Try Next
Looking for more creamy and comforting pasta dishes? Here are some favorites from our collection:
- Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo – Perfect Dinner Idea
A rich and indulgent Alfredo featuring tender chicken and succulent shrimp in a creamy Parmesan sauce. - Chicken Fajita Pasta: 7 Powerful Twists for Irresistible Flavor
Spice up your pasta night with this bold and creamy Tex-Mex inspired dish, packed with seasoned chicken and vibrant peppers. - Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
A delightful combination of savory sausage bites and creamy Parmesan pasta, perfect for a hearty meal.
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Tender penne pasta tossed with juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. A cozy, one-pan comfort meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 hearty portions 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water (if using instead of broth), then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and no longer pink in the center—about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. Toss in the broccoli and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender. For softer broccoli, cover the pan for a minute to steam.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through and creamy.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for variation. To lighten it up, use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy broccoli chicken pasta penne one-pot easy weeknight
