Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

When comfort food meets wholesome ingredients, the result is a dish like Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne — a hearty, satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This creamy pasta brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a rich, velvety sauce that’s loaded with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy weekend indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s the perfect one-pan dinner — easy, balanced, and comforting. The sauce is creamy without being heavy, thanks to a combination of milk, Parmesan, and a touch of cream. The broccoli adds freshness and color, while the chicken provides lean protein that keeps the dish hearty and filling. Plus, it all comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken:

- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small cubes)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Creamy Sauce:

- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the pasta and broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain both the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.

Step 2 – Cook the chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and fully cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3 – Make the creamy sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Gradually whisk in the milk, followed by the heavy cream. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). The sauce should be smooth and creamy.

Step 4 – Combine everything:
Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, and penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of warm milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5 – Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness in every bite.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Don’t overcook the broccoli: Add it toward the end of the pasta’s cooking time to keep it bright and tender-crisp rather than mushy.

Cut the chicken evenly: Keeping the chicken pieces uniform ensures they cook at the same rate and stay juicy.

Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make your sauce grainy. Freshly grated Parmesan gives a silky texture and richer flavor.

Adjust the consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to thin it out without losing flavor.

Add a twist: Stir in cooked bacon pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.

Variations

Light version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or use all milk for a lighter sauce. You can also use Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess.

Spicy version: Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.

Cheese lovers: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar with Parmesan for a gooey, cheesy sauce.

Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. For a full dinner spread, consider adding a light dessert like fruit salad or lemon bars to balance out the rich pasta flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Freeze: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 640 kcal
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Sugar: 6g

Final Thoughts

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors that come together in one delicious pan. It’s a wholesome meal that’s hearty enough for dinner yet easy enough for a weeknight. The tender chicken, the fresh pop of broccoli, and the rich, cheesy sauce make it irresistible from the first bite to the last.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something creamy and satisfying, this pasta dish delivers every time. It’s an easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again—comfort food done right!

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