What the Heck Is This?
You know those nights when you want something warm, comforting, and carb-y but don’t want to go full sweatpants-and-mac-n-cheese mode? That’s where this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne comes in. It’s got tender bites of juicy chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and broccoli that’s just soft enough to soak up all that luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce. It’s cozy but still feels like you tried. Bonus: it comes together in under 40 minutes, which makes it ideal for weeknights, lazy Sundays, or any time you want to impress someone with basically no effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One pot of creamy goodness that tastes like it came from a restaurant
Perfect balance of protein, pasta, and veggies
That garlic-parmesan sauce is rich without being heavy
Family-friendly but still grown-up enough to serve to guests
Ready in under 40 minutes, and the leftovers are chef’s kiss
Broccoli + cheese = forever a winning combo
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Pasta and Chicken:
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (trust me on this)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (start with less, add more if needed)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the cream and stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach that silky perfect consistency.
Step 5: Toss in the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken. Mix everything together until coated and creamy. Let it cook for 1–2 more minutes to let all the flavors hang out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread if you want to go full comfort food
Top with extra parm and a little cracked black pepper
Add a splash of lemon juice or zest for a fresher twist
Switch It Up
Use rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni instead of penne
Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a swirl of hot sauce in the sauce
Try it with shrimp or sausage instead of chicken
Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra depth
Use a plant-based cream and cheese to make it vegetarian-friendly
Make-Ahead Tips
Cook the chicken and broccoli ahead of time and refrigerate separately
The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge — just reheat gently before tossing with pasta
Leftovers reheat like a dream — just add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Definitely. Rotisserie chicken or grilled leftovers work great. Just chop it up and add in with the pasta.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Yep. Use half-and-half or even whole milk instead of cream. It won’t be quite as rich but still totally delicious.
Q: Will frozen broccoli work?
A: Absolutely. Just toss it in with the pasta like you would fresh. It might be a bit softer, but still tasty.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Just expect the sauce to separate a little when reheated — stir it well and maybe add a bit more cream or cheese to bring it back.
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne: Your Cozy Weeknight Pasta Fix That’s Shockingly Easy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
You know those nights when you want something warm, comforting, and carb-y but don’t want to go full sweatpants-and-mac-n-cheese mode? That’s where this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne comes in. It’s got tender bites of juicy chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and broccoli that’s just soft enough to soak up all that luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce. It’s cozy but still feels like you tried. Bonus: it comes together in under 40 minutes, which makes it ideal for weeknights, lazy Sundays, or any time you want to impress someone with basically no effort.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (trust me on this)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (start with less, add more if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the cream and stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach that silky perfect consistency.
Step 5: Toss in the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken. Mix everything together until coated and creamy. Let it cook for 1–2 more minutes to let all the flavors hang out.
Notes
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread if you want to go full comfort food
Top with extra parm and a little cracked black pepper
Add a splash of lemon juice or zest for a fresher twist
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~530 calories per serving
- Carbohydrates: ~48g per serving
- Protein: ~36g per serving