Creamy Broccoli Garlic Chicken Penne

This creamy broccoli garlic chicken penne recipe is my solution when I crave a comforting and easy dinner that’s still packed with vegetables. With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cook time, this restaurant quality creamy pasta comes together in under 40 minutes, offering tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked penne pasta. Whether you need a fast weeknight meal or an impressive one skillet dinner for guests, this dish delivers big on flavor and keeps cleanup minimal.

The first time I made creamy broccoli garlic chicken penne was after a long workday when I needed a filling meal without fuss or fancy ingredients. Since then it’s become my favorite comfort food dinner because my family adores the velvety sauce and tender chicken, and I always sneak in extra broccoli for a healthy twist. Over time, I’ve learned little tricks to perfect the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce so every bite is rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to win over picky eaters.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Penne pasta (regular, whole wheat, or gluten free): Holds creamy sauce and keeps its shape; use whole wheat for more fiber or gluten free if needed
• Fresh broccoli florets: Add crisp texture and color; frozen broccoli works for convenience and skips extra prep
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into bite sized pieces ensures even, juicy cooking; swap with thighs or rotisserie chicken if preferred
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and adds subtle flavor; substitute with avocado oil if desired
• Fresh garlic: Brings robust aromatic depth; use pre minced for speed
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its classic creamy texture; use half and half or canned coconut milk for a lighter or dairy free option
• Low sodium chicken broth: Supports the sauce with savory flavor; homemade or store bought both work, just watch the salt content
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly for umami and richness; always use real Parmesan and grate it fresh for best results
• Italian seasoning: Blend of herbs like basil and oregano adds fragrant notes; create your own mix for even more freshness
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Highlight savory flavors—season at every stage and taste as you go
• Optional crushed red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick that adults love, but easy to skip for kids

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Garlic Chicken Penne

Sauté the Chicken for a Flavorful Base:

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken brown without stirring for about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for 2 more minutes until cooked through. Remove to a plate and cover loosely to keep moist; avoid overcrowding to ensure browning, not steaming.

Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds just until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and loosen any browned bits. Keep heat at medium low to prevent scorching as the sauce bubbles and thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.

Melt the Parmesan for Richness:

Once sauce is gently simmering, gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly so it melts evenly and doesn’t clump. This step takes about 2 to 3 minutes and yields a glossy, thickened sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning; if too thick, add a splash of chicken broth for the right consistency.

Fold in Pasta, Broccoli, and Chicken:

Add the cooked penne pasta, blanched broccoli florets, and reserved chicken to the skillet. Gently toss everything to coat in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Let it all warm through on low heat for about 2 minutes. The broccoli should stay bright green and just tender for best texture.

Finish and Serve:

Transfer creamy broccoli garlic chicken penne to serving bowls or a platter. Top with extra freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want extra flavor. Serve immediately while sauce is silky—if it thickens as it sits, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water and stir gently to restore creaminess.

My favorite kitchen trick is swapping in smoked mozzarella for part of the Parmesan, which my kids ask for every time because it adds a subtle smoky hint. The contrast between the velvety sauce and the broccoli’s crisp bite always makes dinnertime feel extra special at our house. I love knowing this one pot meal covers our protein and veggie needs without fuss or leftovers going to waste.

Smart Swaps and Variations

For flexibility, try using rotini, fusilli, or another short pasta in place of penne to keep the dish fresh every time. Swap in shrimp or rotisserie chicken for a quick change up, or use cauliflower, asparagus, or seasonal vegetables according to what’s freshest. For a dairy free or lighter version, use coconut milk in place of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, so you can match your dietary needs or preferences while still enjoying a creamy garlic sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Broccoli Garlic Chicken Penne

For best results, allow leftovers to cool before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze, portion out cooled pasta into freezer safe containers or silicone bags and store for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth and warm gently in a skillet on low for best texture, or cover and microwave with a bit of liquid to prevent drying out.

What to Serve with Creamy Broccoli Garlic Chicken Penne

This creamy chicken pasta works perfectly as an all in one meal but pairs beautifully with Italian inspired sides like Caesar salad or a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Serve it with crusty garlic bread or sliced baguette to soak up any extra sauce, and for special occasions, a glass of chilled pinot grigio or sparkling water with lemon cuts the richness and lifts the flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

Creamy broccoli garlic chicken penne delivers a balanced plate with lean chicken for protein, broccoli for fiber and antioxidants, and Parmesan for calcium. The combination of pasta and veggies provides complex carbs and vitamins, while the creamy garlic sauce makes each bite hearty and satisfying. Simple swaps allow for gluten free or dairy free adaptations, so you can fit this meal into a wide range of healthy eating plans.

Recipe Success Tips

To prevent the creamy garlic sauce from becoming too thick or separating, always use gentle heat when adding cream and cheese. Gradually add Parmesan and stir constantly for a glossy, smooth sauce. For extra sauciness, add a bit of reserved pasta cooking water. Cut chicken into even pieces and don’t crowd the pan, so each bite stays juicy and flavorful. If you prefer your broccoli softer, blanch for an extra minute before tossing in with the pasta.

Creamy broccoli garlic chicken penne is my go to dinner because it’s flexible, packed with fresh flavor, and comes together in one skillet with hardly any cleanup. Try it this week and discover your own favorite variations for easy, wholesome comfort food the whole family will love.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use frozen broccoli for this dish?

Yes, both fresh and frozen broccoli work well—just add frozen directly to the skillet to heat through.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter sauce, though the texture will be less rich.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti can all be used for similar results in texture and sauce coverage.

→ How do I add more flavor?

Extra garlic, Italian herbs, or a pinch of crushed red pepper can boost flavors and add depth to the sauce.

→ Is this dish good for meal prepping?

Yes, it reheats well for lunches and dinners. Store in airtight containers and add a splash of broth when warming up.