Get ready to discover your new family favorite. This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne is the perfect answer to the age-old question, “What’s for dinner tonight?” It’s a rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy pasta dish that comes together in under 40 minutes. We’re talking tender chunks of chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked penne, all tossed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Forget complicated recipes with long ingredient lists; this is comfort food at its finest, designed for busy weeknights.
This recipe isn’t just about getting dinner on the table; it’s about creating a moment of pure culinary enjoyment without the stress. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your kitchen adventures, this guide will walk you through every simple step to pasta perfection.
Why This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne is a Weeknight Winner
There are so many reasons to love this dish, but here are just a few that make it stand out. It’s a true one-pan wonder for the main components, which means fewer dishes to wash. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find at any grocery store. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, with protein, carbs, and veggies all covered.
The Key Ingredients for Your Pasta Masterpiece
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. We use a handful of quality ingredients to build layers of flavor, resulting in a restaurant-worthy meal you can be proud of.
For the Pasta and Mix-ins:
- Penne Pasta: The ridges are perfect for catching all that creamy sauce.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Broccoli Florets: Adds a fresh, vibrant crunch and a dose of healthy greens.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination for sautéing that provides the best flavor.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Garlic: Freshly minced is always best for a robust flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to an ultra-rich and velvety sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that essential salty, nutty flavor that brings everything together.
- Salt, Black Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes: To season and add a gentle touch of heat.
Step-by-Step: Making the Perfect Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne
Follow these simple steps for a flawless pasta dish every time. The key is to have your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water. This is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later!
- Blanch the Broccoli: In the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This will cook them perfectly so they are tender-crisp. Drain the pasta and broccoli together.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne and broccoli to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
For another great weeknight pasta idea, check out this amazing Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe. It’s another family favorite!
Pro Tips for the Creamiest, Dreamiest Sauce
The sauce is the star of this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne. Here are a few tips to ensure it’s perfect every time.
- Don’t Over-boil the Cream: After adding the cream, keep it at a gentle simmer. Boiling it too aggressively can cause it to separate.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. A block of Parmesan will make a world of difference.
- Temper the Cheese: For an extra-smooth sauce, remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the Parmesan. This gentle heat will melt it perfectly without causing it to become grainy.
- Use That Pasta Water: The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles and creates a silkier texture. It’s the secret ingredient you already have! If you love creamy sauces, our Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen is another must-try.
Fun Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the chicken for an extra earthy flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Swap the Protein: This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy flavor boost.
Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne makes for fantastic leftovers. Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it 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. Microwaving can work in a pinch, but a slow reheat on the stovetop is best.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency of the sauce.
Yes, you absolutely can. Add the frozen florets directly to the boiling pasta water during the last 4-5 minutes of cooking to ensure they are heated through and tender-crisp.
To ensure a smooth sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. Also, it’s best to remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the cheese. This melts it gently and prevents it from clumping or becoming grainy.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce will be less rich, but still delicious. You could also try a blend of milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch (as a slurry) to help thicken it.
This recipe is very versatile! You can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rotini, ziti, rigatoni, or farfalle (bow ties). Any pasta with ridges or cups will work well to hold the creamy sauce.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken or a comforting bowl of Crock Pot Potato Soup.
The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne Recipe
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne (The Ultimate Weeknight Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Blanch the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pasta pot during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- Start the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken. Reduce heat to low.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne and broccoli. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't forget to reserve some of the starchy pasta water! It's the key to adjusting the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Tip 3: You can use frozen broccoli florets in a pinch. Add them to the pasta water for the last 4-5 minutes of cooking.
Share Your Creation!
We love seeing what you create in your kitchen! If you make this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest so you can always find it!
