Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

There’s something magical about a bowl of warm, creamy pasta at the end of a long day. This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is comfort food with a wholesome twist. Juicy chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne pasta come together in a velvety garlic-parmesan sauce that clings to every bite.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a meal prep hero that reheats beautifully, this recipe delivers. It feels indulgent, but it’s packed with lean protein and vibrant veggies. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, which makes it just right for weeknights that demand something fast, filling, and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

This dish checks all the boxes for a winning weeknight dinner. It’s quick to make but feels like a restaurant-quality meal. The sauce is rich but not overly heavy, thanks to a balance of cream and broth. Broccoli adds freshness and color, while garlic and parmesan bring depth of flavor. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder with minimal cleanup—what’s not to love?

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Chicken Dishes?

Penne is ideal here because its tube shape captures the creamy sauce in every bite. However, feel free to swap in rigatoni, rotini, or even fettuccine if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. The key is to cook it al dente so it holds up when tossed with the creamy sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Great ingredients make a great dish, and each one plays a role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breast
• Penne pasta
• Broccoli florets
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How To Make the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Season bite-sized pieces of chicken breast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high and sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook for about 8 minutes. During the last 2 minutes, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a little more olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the sauce. Simmer for a couple more minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a crack of black pepper.

Serving and Storing Your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

This recipe makes about 4 hearty servings, making it great for family dinners or lunch leftovers. If you plan to meal prep, portion the pasta into airtight containers once it cools. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats easily in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

Warm, crispy garlic bread is a classic side to scoop up the extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

The sweetness of roasted tomatoes adds brightness to this creamy dish.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms pair wonderfully with the parmesan cream sauce.

Lemon Arugula Salad

A light, peppery salad cuts through the richness beautifully.

Grilled Asparagus

Another green veggie that brings crunch and color to the plate.

White Wine

A chilled glass of chardonnay or sauvignon blanc complements the flavors.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Creamy Twist?

If you enjoy this cozy pasta, try these other comforting dishes from the Luna Meals collection:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli Recipe
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know how yours turned out in the comments! Did you toss in mushrooms or go all in with extra garlic? Maybe you swapped the cream for half-and-half? I’d love to hear your twist.

Explore beautifully curated pasta and comfort food ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new favorite cozy dinner.

Conclusion

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne brings together everything you want in a weeknight meal: ease, flavor, and satisfaction. It’s hearty yet fresh, comforting but not heavy. With pantry-friendly ingredients and simple steps, it’s a go-to you’ll find yourself making again and again. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, garlicky bite.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?