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Bowl of Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Pasta

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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

  • Author: Clara
  • 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