Introduction
There are few dishes that bring as much comfort to the dinner table as a creamy chicken pasta. Growing up, pasta nights were always the highlight of the week in my family, and there was something magical about the way a simple combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce could make everyone smile. That’s exactly what this creamy broccoli and chicken penne delivers a wholesome, satisfying dish that feels like home.
We all know the struggle of busy weeknights when you need something quick, but don’t want to compromise on flavor or nutrition. That’s where this recipe shines. It takes under 30 minutes, uses everyday ingredients, and still manages to taste like something you’d order at your favorite Italian-American restaurant. The addition of broccoli not only adds a pop of freshness and color, but also makes this pasta a balanced choice that sneaks in some extra vegetables without feeling forced.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving a cozy bowl of comfort food, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion. By the time you set it on the table, you’ll have a creamy, dreamy pasta that checks all the boxes: quick, budget-friendly, nourishing, and downright delicious.
The Basics of the Recipe
Pasta has long been a staple in kitchens around the world, but what makes this creamy broccoli and chicken penne special is its balance of indulgence and nourishment. Penne pasta, with its ridged surface and hollow center, is the ideal shape for holding onto creamy sauces. The dish itself is inspired by Italian-American comfort food traditions, where cream-based sauces meet simple, hearty ingredients to create something truly satisfying.
Broccoli plays a starring role here, adding not just flavor but also nutritional value. It brings a bright, earthy contrast to the richness of the sauce while keeping the dish lighter than traditional cream pastas. Combined with lean chicken breast, this recipe offers a wholesome, protein-packed meal that feels indulgent but isn’t overly heavy.
What sets this version apart from similar recipes is its simplicity. Many creamy pasta dishes rely on complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients, but this one keeps things approachable. With just a few pantry staples—pasta, chicken, garlic, cream or milk, cheese, and broccoli you can whip up a dish that tastes like it took hours, when in reality it comes together in about half an hour.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Notes: Swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti. For a healthier twist, use whole-wheat pasta or gluten-free alternatives. Greek yogurt can replace cream for a lighter sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Pro note: Reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency later. - Sauté the chicken. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook 6–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Pro note: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure browning. - Blanch the broccoli. Add broccoli florets to the same pot of boiling water used for pasta. Cook 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
Pro note: Blanching keeps broccoli bright and firm. - Build the sauce. In the chicken skillet, add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in chicken broth and cream, simmering 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Pro note: Stir continuously to avoid curdling. - Add cheese and seasoning. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes until smooth.
Pro note: Taste and adjust seasoning before adding pasta. - Combine. Return chicken and broccoli to skillet, add pasta, and toss. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.
Pro note: Toss for 1–2 minutes so pasta absorbs flavor. - Serve. Transfer to bowls or plates, garnishing with Parmesan, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes.
Pro note: Serve immediately for best texture.
Pro Tips, Substitutions & Variations
- Avoid mushiness: Keep pasta al dente and broccoli tender-crisp.
- Ingredient swaps: Use rotisserie chicken for speed, thighs for richness, or extra veggies for a vegetarian version. Greek yogurt works as a lighter cream substitute.
- Cooking methods: Try baking the dish topped with cheese at 375°F for 20 minutes or making the sauce in a slow cooker.
- Dietary changes: Use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly or zucchini noodles/spaghetti squash for low-carb.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled portions up to 2 months. For best results, freeze pasta separately from sauce.
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop with added broth or milk to restore creaminess. Avoid over-microwaving to prevent separation.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This pasta is a meal on its own, but pairing enhances it:
- Sides: Crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
- Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon, fruity iced tea, or non-alcoholic grape spritzer.
- Dessert: Light lemon sorbet or fresh fruit salad for a refreshing finish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 540–580
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
Using lighter substitutions can reduce calories to ~450 while boosting protein and fiber.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook pasta, chicken, and broccoli separately, then combine with sauce before serving.
What can I substitute for chicken?
Try chicken thighs, shrimp, or vegetarian swaps like mushrooms or bell peppers.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for 3–4 days or freeze for 2 months (sauce separate for best texture).
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, though fresh pasta retains better texture. Freeze sauce and chicken separately.
Can I make this gluten-free or low-carb?
Yes—use gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.
Closing
Cooking at home is all about creating meals that are both comforting and practical, and this creamy broccoli and chicken penne checks all those boxes. With just a few simple ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can bring a restaurant-quality pasta dish to your table without stress.
Try it, share it with loved ones, and make it your own. I’d love to hear your results leave a comment or review to inspire others!
And if you loved this recipe, explore more pasta and chicken favorites on the site. Don’t forget to follow on Pinterest and Facebook for daily recipe ideas and kitchen inspiration.