Name: Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning; ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

There’s something about creamy pasta that just feels like comfort in a bowl. For me, this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a dish that brings everything I love together—tender bites of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all coated in a velvety, cheesy cream sauce. It’s one of those meals I make when I want dinner to be hearty, satisfying, and still feel a little wholesome thanks to the green veggies.

I’ve made this dish for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, and even those “clean out the fridge” days—and it never disappoints. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and can easily be customized depending on what you have on hand. Whether you’re a pasta fanatic or just love a creamy, feel-good dish, I think this one’s going to be on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

This recipe checks all the boxes: quick, comforting, and loaded with flavor. It’s a perfect one-pot kind of dinner that saves time and cleanup. The tender chunks of chicken add protein, while the broccoli brings a fresh, vibrant crunch that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. And that sauce? Dreamy, cheesy, and perfectly clings to the pasta. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or craving a cozy plate of pasta, this one delivers every time.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne?

I love using penne because its tube-like shape catches all the creamy sauce and little bits of chicken and broccoli—it’s just made for this kind of dish. But honestly, you’ve got some flexibility. Rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini work beautifully if that’s what you’ve got in the pantry. The key is to use a pasta that has some grooves or structure so that the sauce has something to cling to. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair or anything too thin—they’ll get lost in the creaminess and won’t hold up to the heartier ingredients.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is as forgiving as it is delicious. If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use boneless chicken thighs—they add even more flavor and tenderness. Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and toss in some mushrooms or extra broccoli.

Lactose-sensitive? Try using lactose-free cream or a splash of unsweetened almond milk thickened with a bit of flour. For cheese, Parmesan is classic, but shredded mozzarella or even a blend of Italian cheeses can be a great swap.

And if you’re going low-carb, you can even swap the penne for zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta—just adjust the cooking time. This dish really is about making it work for you.

Ingredients for This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Penne Pasta
This is the heart of the dish—its tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

Chicken Breast
Lean, juicy, and packed with protein, chicken breast brings a savory richness that balances the creaminess of the sauce.

Broccoli Florets
Bright, crisp, and slightly earthy, broccoli adds freshness, color, and a subtle crunch that lightens the dish beautifully.

Heavy Cream
This is what makes the sauce luxurious. It adds richness and silkiness that ties everything together.

Garlic
Just a couple of cloves, but they pack a punch. Garlic brings depth and warmth to the entire dish.

Parmesan Cheese
Nutty and salty, it melts into the sauce and elevates it with a sharp, umami flavor that’s essential for that creamy texture.

Olive Oil
Used to sauté the chicken and garlic—adds flavor while helping everything cook evenly.

Salt and Black Pepper
Simple seasonings that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. Don’t underestimate their role!

Optional: Red Pepper Flakes or Italian Seasoning
For a little kick or added herby depth, a pinch of red pepper or Italian herbs can take the flavor up a notch.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until just al dente, according to the package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy water can help loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Steam or Blanch the Broccoli

While the pasta cooks, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender, but still crisp. Drain and set aside. This helps the broccoli stay vibrant and not overcooked when added to the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add bite-sized pieces of chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the cream sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning if using. Stir well until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked penne, chicken, and broccoli into the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper on top. It’s best enjoyed immediately while everything is still warm and creamy.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30–35 minutes. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Boiling the pasta: 8–10 minutes
Cooking the broccoli: 2–3 minutes
Sautéing the chicken: 6–8 minutes
Simmering the sauce and bringing it all together: about 10 minutes

Tips for Perfect Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it al dente so it holds its shape when tossed with the sauce.

Blanch or steam the broccoli just until bright green – It should stay slightly crisp to provide contrast with the creamy sauce.

Sear the chicken properly – Let it get golden on the outside for extra flavor before removing it from the pan.

Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.

Keep the heat low when adding cream – A gentle simmer helps thicken the sauce without breaking it.

Add a splash of pasta water if needed – If the sauce feels too thick when combining, the starchy water helps loosen it without diluting flavor.

Taste and adjust – Don’t forget to check for seasoning right before serving. A pinch more salt or a crack of pepper can make a big difference.

Serve immediately – The sauce is at its best right off the stove. If it sits too long, it can start to thicken or dry out.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the broccoli
It’s easy to let broccoli go too far. If it turns mushy, it loses both texture and color. Aim for just-tender with a bit of bite left.

Using cold cream straight from the fridge
Cold cream can cause the sauce to curdle or take longer to thicken. Let it sit at room temp for a few minutes before adding to the pan.

Skipping the pasta water
That reserved pasta water is like liquid gold—it helps the sauce cling to the pasta and keeps it silky.

Crowding the pan when cooking chicken
If the chicken pieces are too close together, they’ll steam instead of sear. Give them space to brown properly for better flavor.

Adding cheese too quickly
Dumping it all in at once can cause clumps. Add cheese gradually and stir continuously for a smooth sauce.

Forgetting to season in layers
Season your chicken, your sauce, and do a final taste test before serving. That’s the key to deep, balanced flavor.

Letting the sauce boil hard
A rapid boil can break the cream sauce. Keep it at a gentle simmer to maintain that velvety texture.

Using pre-shredded cheese
It’s convenient, but it often contains anti-caking agents that mess with the creaminess. Freshly grated is worth the extra step.

What to Serve With Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne?

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion to mop up all that creamy sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy croutons adds a cool, tangy contrast to the rich pasta.

3. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Slightly sweet and juicy, they add a nice burst of acidity to balance the creaminess.

4. Lemon-Parmesan Asparagus

Roasted or sautéed asparagus with a touch of lemon brightens up the meal beautifully.

5. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite.

6. Steamed Green Beans

Lightly seasoned green beans keep the meal balanced and not too heavy.

7. A Glass of White Wine

A chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and chicken.

8. Fresh Fruit Platter

Something simple and sweet like a few slices of melon, pineapple, or berries makes for a lovely, light finish.

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? This dish stores really well! Let the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce and warm it gently over the stove or in the microwave.

If you want to freeze it, go for it—but keep in mind that creamy sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and reheat slowly on the stove while stirring frequently.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: 580
Protein: 38g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 420mg

This meal gives you a great balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats—plus a serving of veggies, all in one cozy bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little milk or cream to revive the sauce.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Just thaw and drain it well before adding, and don’t overcook it—you still want it to have some texture.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a bit of flour to thicken, or even a plant-based cream alternative. Just keep the sauce on low heat to avoid curdling.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be careful not to overcook it—it can be a bit more delicate.

How can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the cream sauce, or toss in a dash of hot sauce. A little goes a long way, so taste as you go.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Definitely. Shred it and stir it in during the final step to warm it through—it saves time and adds great flavor.

What cheese works best besides Parmesan?

Mozzarella, Asiago, or a creamy Italian blend all work well. Just be sure to use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce.

How do I keep the sauce from becoming grainy?

Use low heat, add cheese gradually, and avoid boiling the sauce. Stir continuously as the cheese melts for that dreamy, velvety finish.

Conclusion

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is everything I love in a cozy pasta dish—rich, creamy, packed with protein and veggies, and completely satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels a little indulgent but still balanced and wholesome enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, it’s a foolproof recipe that’s easy to adapt and impossible not to love. Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll find a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.