Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne, all tossed in a luxuriously smooth and flavorful garlic cream sauce. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that’s quick enough for a busy Tuesday but elegant enough for a Saturday night, you’ve found it. We’re not just making pasta; we’re creating a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen.
Why This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another pasta dish. It’s a perfectly balanced meal that delivers on all fronts: flavor, texture, and simplicity. The sauce is rich but not heavy, clinging to every piece of penne and chicken. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, and the entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a guaranteed winner for the whole family, much like our popular Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta for another night.
The Key Ingredients for Your New Favorite Pasta Dish
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. You don’t need a long shopping list to create incredible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Chicken and Pasta
- Penne Pasta: The ridges on penne are perfect for catching the creamy sauce.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Broccoli Florets: Adds a fresh, vibrant crunch and a boost of nutrients. Fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Butter: The foundation of our rich and flavorful sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for the best aroma and taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is our secret weapon for a thick, stable sauce that never breaks.
- Chicken Broth: Adds a savory depth that complements the chicken.
- Heavy Cream: Creates that luxurious, velvety texture we’re aiming for.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a nutty, salty finish that brings everything together. Don’t use the pre-shredded kind; grate your own for the best melt.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a gentle hint of warmth.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne Step-by-Step
This recipe is all about simple steps and smart timing. By following this order, you’ll have everything ready to combine for a hot, delicious meal without any stress.
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions. In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This blanches them perfectly, so they are tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Build the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to create a roux.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once smooth, slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it begins to thicken.
- Finish and Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne and broccoli and stir everything together until it’s fully coated in the glorious cream sauce. For another fantastic one-pan meal, check out our Boursin Chicken Orzo.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Pasta Every Time
Want to elevate your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne from great to absolutely unforgettable? Follow these simple tips from our kitchen to yours.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your penne until it’s just al dente (firm to the bite). It will continue to cook slightly when you combine it with the hot sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly. Grating your own block of Parmesan makes a huge difference in the sauce’s texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, reserve about a cup of the starchy water. If your sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to thin it out to the perfect consistency.
- Control the Heat: When making the cream sauce, keep the heat on medium-low. Boiling a cream-based sauce can cause it to curdle or separate. Gentle heat is key.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, feel free to get creative! This dish is a wonderful canvas for other flavors and ingredients.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with the chicken for an earthy, savory boost.
- Make it Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a fiery kick.
- Swap the Protein: This recipe works beautifully with shrimp or Italian sausage. For a similar dish with steak, try our Garlic Steak Tortellini.
- Sneak in More Veggies: Wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end or add some sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of flavor.
What to Serve with Your Pasta
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne is a complete meal on its own, but a simple side can round it out perfectly. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce. For something heartier, a side of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of the creamy goodness.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the sauce oily and the chicken rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While penne is great for catching the sauce, this recipe also works wonderfully with other short pasta shapes like rotini, ziti, rigatoni, or farfalle (bow ties).
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. For best results, add the frozen florets directly to the boiling pasta water during the last 4-5 minutes of cooking. This will thaw and cook them perfectly without making them mushy.
The key is to use gentle, medium-low heat after adding the cream and cheese. Never let the sauce come to a rolling boil. Whisking in a little flour at the beginning (creating a roux) also helps stabilize the sauce and prevent it from separating.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin the sauce and restore its creamy consistency as it warms up.
Heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream) is the best choice for a rich, stable pasta sauce. Its high fat content prevents it from curdling when simmered and creates the most luxurious, velvety texture.
The Easiest, Creamiest Chicken and Broccoli Penne Recipe
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne (The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions. In the final 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain well and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. Then, slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the cooked chicken, penne, and broccoli back to the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
Reserve Pasta Water: If your sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved hot pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Don't Boil the Sauce: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent the cream from separating.
Pin This Recipe for Later!
If you loved this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Penne, don’t forget to save it! Pin this recipe to your favorite dinner board on Pinterest so you can easily find it whenever a pasta craving hits. Your friends and family will thank you!
