This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta in a rich, velvety sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne recipe is a true family favorite that checks all the boxes for busy weeknights. The creamy Parmesan sauce brings together perfectly seasoned chicken and crisp-tender broccoli, creating a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. What makes this dish especially appealing is its simplicity – using common pantry staples and requiring just one pan, it’s accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The combination of protein, vegetables, and carbs makes it a complete meal that will please both adults and children alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot oil and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Garlic Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add the Italian seasoning and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and incorporated. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Helpful Tips
Pasta Cooking: Don’t overcook your penne pasta – it should be al dente since it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce. Save some pasta water as it contains starch that helps bind the sauce beautifully.
Chicken Preparation: Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken, as this will cause it to steam rather than brown properly.
Broccoli Texture: For the best texture, add broccoli when it’s still bright green and slightly crisp. Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy and loses its vibrant color.
Sauce Consistency: The key to a perfect creamy sauce is controlling the heat. Keep it at medium-low when adding cream to prevent curdling, and stir constantly for a smooth finish.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated, as it melts more smoothly and provides better flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. This recipe is easily customizable – try adding sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for additional flavor and color. The dish is best served immediately but can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Add them directly to the pan without thawing and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure they’re heated through and any excess moisture evaporates.
What other pasta shapes work well with this recipe? While penne is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti as it doesn’t work as well with the chunky ingredients.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Simply substitute the penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Cook according to the package directions and proceed with the recipe as written.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure all vegetables are properly cooked.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or cream to help restore the sauce consistency. Stir gently and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of liquid and heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
For freezing, this dish can be stored for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that cream-based sauces may separate slightly after freezing, but gentle reheating with additional liquid will help restore the texture.
Conclusion
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne recipe proves that weeknight dinners can be both quick and delicious without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich Parmesan cream sauce creates a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With its simple preparation method and common ingredients, this recipe is destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor.