Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne

This creamy chicken broccoli penne comes together in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without fuss. Tender chunks of chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente penne pasta are enveloped in a luscious cream sauce that clings to every bite. The best part is it all cooks in one pan when you want fewer dishes, making cleanup just as easy as the cooking.

I first made this dish on a hectic weeknight and was amazed how it felt indulgent while still coming together so quickly. Now it’s a regular request from my family because it’s both satisfying and easy to customize.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: its ridges help the creamy sauce stick and soak up flavor any similar-shaped pasta like rigatoni or rotini works well
• Broccoli florets: add bright color and a tender-crisp texture fresh is best, but frozen works if thawed and patted dry
• Chicken breast, cut into small cubes: cooks quickly and stays juicy be sure to handle safely and check doneness with a thermometer
• Olive oil and butter: olive oil for searing the chicken butter enriches the sauce and helps mellow garlic
• Garlic cloves, minced: adds aromatic depth and slight pungency essential for building flavor layers
• Chicken broth: deglazes the pan and adds savory notes choose low-sodium for better control over seasoning
• Heavy cream or half-and-half: the creamy base for the sauce cream yields richness half-and-half lightens the dish
• Grated Parmesan cheese: brings salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce freshly grated makes a big difference
• Italian seasoning: a blend of herbs that complements chicken and pasta fresh herbs work too if you have them
• Optional chili flakes: add warmth and subtle heat adjust to your liking
• Salt and black pepper: season throughout to balance flavors perfectly
• Fresh chopped parsley and lemon zest: add brightness and a fresh finish just before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Season the chicken cubes generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden on the bottom. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until browned all over and cooked through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10 minutes. Two to three minutes before pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot to cook until vibrant green and tender-crisp. Reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining pasta and broccoli together in a colander.

Build the Creamy Sauce:

Return the empty pan to medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté quickly for about thirty seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the seared chicken. Let the broth simmer for one minute to concentrate flavor.

Finish the Sauce and Combine:

Reduce heat to low and pour in the cream and Italian seasoning. Add chili flakes if using. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly but avoid boiling. Remove pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Return cooked chicken to the pan and mix in the drained pasta and broccoli. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a glossy coating. Toss everything together until evenly combined.

Add Fresh Finishes and Serve:

Top the dish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the flavors. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

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Storage Tips

After cooking, cool the pasta quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days. When reheating, do so slowly over low heat on the stove and add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power or boiling, which can cause the sauce to separate and broccoli to become mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier bite but remember they take a bit longer to cook evenly. Frozen broccoli works great if thawed and patted dry to keep the sauce from watering down. Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter version and dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream make it possible to enjoy a creamy sauce without milk. Swap penne for any short pasta shape such as rigatoni or farfalle for visual variety.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy pasta with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Warm crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for additional texture and flavor contrast.

Pro Tips

• Always reserve pasta water before draining as its starch is your secret weapon for silky sauce
• Avoid boiling cream gentle heat prevents curdling and grainy texture
• Toast garlic lightly in butter without browning to keep its flavor mellow and aromatic

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I keep the broccoli bright and tender?

Add broccoli in the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking or blanch and shock it in ice water to preserve color and crispness.

→ What’s the best way to avoid a curdled sauce?

Heat cream gently without boiling, add cream cheese in cubes to melt evenly, and fold in Parmesan off the heat for smoothness.

→ How do I ensure juicy chicken pieces?

Cut chicken into even chunks, sear in hot oil without moving until golden, then finish cooking gently to lock in juices.

→ Can I substitute proteins in this dish?

Yes, swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, ground chicken, or rotisserie meat to suit your preference without losing flavor balance.

→ Why save pasta cooking water for the sauce?

Starch-rich pasta water helps emulsify the cream sauce, making it glossy and encouraging it to cling to the pasta evenly.

→ What variations add different flavors to this dish?

Try pesto for herbal notes, Cajun seasoning for spice, lemon and olive oil for a lighter finish, or add mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes for depth.