Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne

This hearty Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne has been my weeknight dinner savior for years. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh broccoli all wrapped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right at your kitchen table.

I first created this pasta dish when my children started refusing vegetables. The creamy sauce and tender chicken became the perfect vehicles to sneak in nutritious broccoli. Now they request it weekly and even help chop the broccoli.

Ingredients

• 2 cups penne pasta: Perfect for holding the creamy sauce in every bite
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides lean protein and a savory base
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a pop of freshness and a slightly crunchy texture
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic foundation that elevates the sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the luxurious velvety sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty salty dimension to the sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for subtle earthy undertones
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (optional): A bright finish that adds color and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions usually 9 to 11 minutes. The pasta should retain a slight bite as it will continue cooking when combined with the sauce. Drain and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. The oil creates a light barrier that keeps the pasta pieces separate while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Prep and Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the diced chicken pieces in a single layer allowing space between pieces for proper browning. Season with salt pepper and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes without disturbing then flip and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and registers 165°F internally. The caramelization creates depth of flavor that will infuse the entire dish. Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Steam the Broccoli:

In the same skillet used for chicken pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the broccoli florets and cover with a lid. Allow the broccoli to steam for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and tender crisp. You want the broccoli to retain some texture to contrast with the creamy sauce and tender pasta. Transfer the broccoli to the plate with the chicken reserving any remaining broth in the pan.

Create the Cream Sauce:

Reduce heat to medium low and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant being careful not to let it brown or burn. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese in three batches whisking continuously between additions to ensure smooth melting. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickly coats the back of a spoon. The slow addition of cheese prevents graininess and creates a silky smooth texture.

Combine Everything:

Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Gently fold them in to coat evenly. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together ensuring each piece of pasta is generously coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to every component of the dish. Let everything heat together for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld.

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Parmesan cheese is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered after years of making this dish that using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-packaged varieties completely transforms the sauce. The authentic aged flavor and superior melting quality creates a sauce that's incomparably rich and complex.

Storage and Reheating

This pasta dish will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight making leftovers incredibly delicious. When reheating add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's silky texture as it tends to thicken when chilled. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat stirring frequently to prevent scorching. This method preserves the creamy consistency better than microwaving which can cause the sauce to separate.

Perfect Substitutions

This recipe welcomes many adaptations based on what you have available. For a lighter version substitute half and half for heavy cream though the sauce won't be quite as rich. Any short pasta shape works well try rotini bow ties or shells which all capture the creamy sauce beautifully. For a vegetarian option simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To introduce different vegetables cauliflower asparagus or peas all work wonderfully in place of or alongside the broccoli.

The Magic of One-Pan Cooking

The brilliance of this recipe lies in its building block approach using just one pan. Each ingredient contributes flavor to the next creating layers of depth. When you sauté chicken it leaves behind flavorful fond that becomes the foundation for the broccoli. The broth used to steam the broccoli then enriches the cream sauce. This technique not only minimizes cleanup but maximizes flavor development in a way that cooking components separately simply cannot achieve. It's a perfect example of how thoughtful technique can elevate simple ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Note that this may slightly alter the flavor and consistency.

→ What can I use instead of chicken?

Feel free to replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or simply add more vegetables for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating?

Keep the heat low while stirring and avoid boiling the sauce. This ensures a smooth, cohesive texture.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving. Store the sauce, chicken, and pasta separately for best results.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, or peas are great additions or substitutes for broccoli in this dish.