Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

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If you’re craving comfort food that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian bistro, Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the answer. This dish brings together tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and penne pasta, all tossed in a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce. Each bite is loaded with flavor and texture—golden seared chicken, al dente pasta, bright green broccoli, and a savory blanket of cheese.

What’s even better? It’s a one-pan wonder you can make in under 40 minutes. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, a casual dinner with friends, or when you want to sneak some veggies into a creamy pasta the whole family will actually ask for seconds of. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully for next-day lunches.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

This penne is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is secretly easy and wholesome. You get the satisfaction of a creamy pasta without a complicated ingredient list or hours of simmering. Juicy, golden-brown chicken gives you a boost of protein, while broccoli adds both color and nutrients, making this a true all-in-one meal. The velvety sauce clings to every piece of pasta and broccoli, creating that perfect forkful every time.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Breasts offer a leaner option and cook quickly, while thighs stay ultra-juicy and have a little extra flavor. If you’re looking to save time, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken will work, too—just slice and add at the end to warm through.

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Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Every ingredient in this recipe has a job to do, building layers of flavor and texture:

• Penne pasta: The tube shape is perfect for catching that creamy sauce. You can use regular or whole wheat penne.
• Chicken breast: Sliced thin, seared until golden—juicy bites in every forkful.
• Broccoli florets: Adds crunch, color, and a healthy boost.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing.
• Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, minced, for aromatic depth.
• Chicken broth: Forms the backbone of the sauce.
• Heavy cream: For ultra-creamy texture and flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and taste.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning.
• Italian seasoning: For a herbaceous lift.
• Fresh parsley: Optional, for garnish and a pop of freshness.

Each ingredient here pulls its weight, creating a creamy pasta that’s both comforting and fresh.

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How To Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 ounces of penne pasta according to package directions, adding 3 cups of broccoli florets to the pot during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season 2 medium chicken breasts (about 1 pound total) with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Sear until golden and cooked through, 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken, rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic, sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes. Add 1 cup heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss to coat. Stir in sliced chicken and simmer 1-2 minutes, until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of Italian seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to bowls, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot!

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Serving and Storing Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

This recipe yields 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. Serve straight from the pan for ultimate comfort, or plate with an extra sprinkle of cheese and parsley for a restaurant-style touch.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

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What to Serve With Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is the classic pairing.

Mixed Greens Salad

A light salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creamy pasta.

Roasted Veggies

Try roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for extra color and nutrition.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on skewers add freshness.

Crispy Chicken Ranch Snack Wrap

For a fun side, serve with Crispy Chicken Ranch Snack Wrap.

Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup

A bowl of Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup makes a cozy starter.

Fluffy Dinner Rolls

Soft, buttery Fluffy Dinner Rolls are perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Add a crunchy, caramelized veggie element with Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta and sauce ahead, but for best texture, add the chicken and broccoli right before serving.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Just add frozen florets straight to the boiling pasta water during the last 2-3 minutes.

3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk will work in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

4. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Be sure to simmer gently and add the cheese off the heat, stirring until smooth.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily swap the penne for gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

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Save This Pin For Later

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

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra veggies or swap the chicken for shrimp? Have you tried a different cheese blend?
I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome—let’s help each other cook smarter!

Find more on my Michelle Recipes | LadySavory Pinterest page.

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Conclusion

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a celebration of comfort and flavor, packed into one easy weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again—reliable, crowd-pleasing, and always satisfying. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

For more cozy pasta dinners, check out Rich Mac and Cheese, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, or our classic Easy Lasagna Recipe.

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