Broccoli and Chicken Penne – Easy Pasta Dinner the Whole Family Will Love

When comfort meets convenience, you get Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne – a wholesome, creamy pasta dish perfect for busy families. This recipe blends tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and penne pasta into a rich, satisfying cream sauce. It’s the kind of dinner everyone at the table will devour without complaint. Plus, it comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for weeknights or casual get-togethers. If you need a quick, delicious go-to dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

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Ingredients

This creamy broccoli and chicken penne is all about simplicity. Pantry staples and fresh ingredients make magic. Chicken adds heartiness and lean protein. Broccoli brings color, crunch, and fiber. The cream sauce is rich but balanced. Everything blends into a comforting family favorite.

2 boneless chicken breasts, diced
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
8 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutritional Information

This creamy pasta is rich yet nourishing. Chicken offers lean protein. Broccoli adds fiber and vitamins. Cream and Parmesan bring calcium and healthy fats. It’s indulgent but well-balanced. Great for a hearty, filling family meal.

Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 34g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 540mg

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Close-up of penne pasta coated in creamy garlic sauce with broccoli florets and peppered chicken slices.

This recipe is quick and one-pan easy. Cook pasta and broccoli together, then set aside. Brown the chicken and make the creamy sauce. Add everything back to the skillet. Simmer until coated and heated through. Serve warm and garnish before serving.

Cook penne in salted water. Add broccoli in last 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat oil in large skillet. Season and cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
Add garlic to skillet and sauté 1 minute.
Pour in cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red flakes. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Return pasta and broccoli to skillet. Toss well and cook 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta shines as a main dish. But pairings make it more complete. Try a crisp green salad. Add garlic bread for dipping. Serve with lemonade or white wine. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
Caesar or garden salad with vinaigrette
Roasted cherry tomatoes or mushrooms
Sparkling lemonade or white wine
Extra Parmesan on top
Serve warm with fresh herbs

Storing Tips

Leftovers keep well for 2–3 days. Let the pasta cool before storing. Use airtight containers for freshness. Reheat gently with splash of cream. Avoid freezing if texture matters. Best enjoyed freshly cooked or next day.

Store in fridge up to 3 days
Use airtight containers for best results
Reheat on stove with splash of cream or broth
Microwave in short bursts, stir between
Avoid freezing due to cream sauce
Garnish after reheating for best flavor

Healthier Alternatives

Detailed image of chicken broccoli penne pasta in cream sauce, with tender pasta and caramelized chicken.

Lighten this creamy pasta easily. Swap cream for half-and-half or milk. Use whole wheat or legume pasta. Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms. Skip butter and reduce cheese. Still creamy, still comforting, just healthier.

Use half-and-half or light cream
Choose whole wheat or lentil pasta
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms
Reduce Parmesan or use nutritional yeast
Replace cream with Greek yogurt (for tang)
Skip red flakes for sensitive eaters

Kid-Friendly Tips

This pasta is already a kid favorite. Mild flavors, creamy sauce, and chicken win hearts. Cut broccoli smaller for picky eaters. Use fun pasta shapes like bowties. Leave out spice if needed. Add a little cheddar for extra cheesiness.

Use mini pasta shells or bowties
Steam broccoli until soft for easier chewing
Skip red pepper flakes
Stir in mild shredded cheese
Cut chicken smaller for toddlers
Serve with fruit or applesauce

Chef’s Special Tips

Sharp, HDR image of creamy broccoli chicken penne served hot, with visible herbs and a golden finish.

Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor. Don’t overcook pasta — keep it firm. Blanch broccoli briefly for bright green color. Brown chicken well for deep flavor. Stir sauce constantly to avoid curdling. Finish with lemon zest for a fresh lift.

Salt pasta water like the sea
Sear chicken until golden, not gray
Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce
Add lemon zest or nutmeg for depth
Grate cheese fresh — not pre-shredded
Let pasta rest 2 minutes before serving

Conclusion

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the kind of dish that never lets you down. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and bursting with flavor in every creamy bite. The broccoli adds color and nutrition, while chicken makes it filling and satisfying. With pantry staples and minimal prep, it’s a perfect weeknight hero. Whether you’re feeding kids or entertaining guests, it checks every box. One pot, one pan, and loads of flavor — what’s not to love? Plus, it reheats like a dream for lunch the next day. Don’t wait to make your dinner routine easier and tastier. Save this recipe now and try it this week. Your family will ask for it again.

FAQs

Yes! You can prepare Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne up to a day in advance. Cook the pasta, broccoli, chicken, and sauce as directed, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. It’s perfect for next-day lunches or meal prep. Just avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain the creamy texture. For best flavor, add fresh parsley or cheese before serving.

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne can be frozen, but the cream sauce may slightly change in texture after thawing. If you choose to freeze it, use an airtight container and cool the pasta completely first. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help revive the sauce. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

You can easily substitute penne in Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne with similar pasta types. Try rotini, rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli — anything with ridges works well. These shapes hold the creamy sauce and bits of chicken and broccoli nicely. Even spaghetti or linguine will do in a pinch. Choose whole wheat or gluten-free versions if preferred. Just cook until al dente for best results.

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne even easier and faster. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and stir it in during the final step. It saves time and still tastes amazing with the creamy sauce. Just be sure the chicken is well-seasoned. Skip the browning step and warm it gently with the sauce. This is a great shortcut for busy weeknights.

To lighten Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, low-fat milk, or unsweetened almond milk. Add a touch of flour or cornstarch to thicken if needed. You can also reduce the cheese or use part-skim Parmesan. Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or chickpea pasta for more fiber. Adding extra broccoli also increases volume and nutrition. You still get a creamy feel without the extra calories.

Yes! Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is naturally kid-friendly. The creamy sauce is mild and flavorful, and the soft textures make it easy to chew. For picky eaters, chop broccoli into small pieces and skip the red pepper flakes. Use fun pasta shapes like shells or bowties. Adding a little shredded cheddar on top can win over hesitant eaters. It’s a well-balanced meal that even toddlers can enjoy.