Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne: A One-Pot Wonder for Busy Weeknights

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love, this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the perfect choice! Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is a comforting yet wholesome meal that comes together in just 35 minutes.

In this post, we’ll walk you through:
✔️ Why this recipe works
✔️ Step-by-step instructions (with expert tips)
✔️ Nutritional benefits
✔️ Variations & substitutions
✔️ How to store and reheat leftovers

Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

✅ One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup!
✅ Ready in 35 Minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights.
✅ Creamy & Flavorful – A rich, cheesy sauce coats every bite.
✅ Balanced Meal – Protein, veggies, and carbs in one dish.
✅ Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters love this combo!

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Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Here’s what you’ll need (full measurements in the recipe card below):

• Penne pasta – The perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce.
• Chicken breasts – Lean and protein-packed.
• Broccoli florets – Fresh and full of nutrients.
• Heavy cream – Creates a luscious, velvety sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty depth.
• Garlic – For that essential savory flavor.
• Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs for extra aroma.
• Fresh parsley – Optional, but adds a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free penne.
• Dairy-free? Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Vegetarian? Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
• Extra protein? Add shrimp or bacon.
• Spicy kick? Toss in red pepper flakes.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Penne Pasta

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add 2 cups of penne pasta and cook until al dente (about 9-11 minutes).
• Drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.

2. Sauté the Chicken

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add bite-sized chicken pieces, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until golden (5-6 minutes).
• Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Steam the Broccoli

• In the same skillet, add ½ cup chicken broth and 2 cups broccoli florets.
• Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Remove broccoli and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• In the same skillet, sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds.
• Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
• Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens (2-3 minutes).

5. Combine Everything

• Return the pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet.
• Toss well to coat in the sauce.
• If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

6. Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley (optional).
• Serve immediately while hot!

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Nutritional Benefits of Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients:

• Chicken – High in protein for muscle repair.
• Broccoli – Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Parmesan cheese – Provides calcium for bone health.
• Olive oil – A heart-healthy fat.

Nutrition per serving (approx.):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 20g

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The Secret to the Perfect Creamy Sauce

One of the standout features of this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is its luscious, velvety sauce. Getting the right consistency and flavor can make or break the dish, so here’s how to ensure perfection every time.

Why Heavy Cream Works Best
Heavy cream (or whipping cream) has a high fat content (around 36-40%), which prevents the sauce from curdling when heated. Unlike milk or half-and-half, it thickens beautifully without needing a flour-based roux, keeping the recipe simple and gluten-free.

The Role of Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key—pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. The cheese melts smoothly into the cream, adding a nutty, umami depth. For extra richness, try adding a splash of cream cheese or a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano.

Avoiding Common Sauce Mistakes

• Don’t boil aggressively – High heat can cause the cream to separate. Simmer gently.
• Add cheese off the heat – Stir in Parmesan after turning off the burner to prevent clumping.
• Adjust thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water or broth; if too thin, simmer longer or add more cheese.

Flavor Boosters

• A pinch of nutmeg enhances the creaminess.
• A squeeze of lemon juice balances the richness.
• White wine (¼ cup) deglazes the pan for extra depth.

With these tips, your sauce will be restaurant-quality every time!

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 Customizing Your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

This recipe is incredibly versatile—here’s how to adapt it to dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Protein Swaps

• Shrimp – Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
• Turkey – Use ground turkey for a lighter twist.
• Tofu – Press and pan-fry for a vegan version.

Vegetable Variations

• Spinach – Stir in fresh leaves at the end until wilted.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – Add a sweet-tart punch.
• Mushrooms – Sauté with garlic for an earthy flavor.

Dietary Adjustments

• Gluten-free – Use GF penne and check broth labels.
• Dairy-free – Substitute coconut milk for cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
• Keto – Swap pasta for zucchini noodles (add them raw to the sauce at the end).

Flavor Twists

• Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
• Herby – Mix in basil, thyme, or tarragon.
• Smoky – Top with crispy bacon or smoked paprika.

Experiment to make this dish uniquely yours!

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 Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Love leftovers? Here’s how to keep your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne tasting fresh.

Storing Properly

• Let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb sauce, so add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.
• Avoid freezing – Dairy-based sauces often separate when thawed.

Reheating Like a Pro

• Stovetop – Warm on low heat with extra liquid, stirring frequently.
• Microwave – Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Meal Prep Shortcuts

• Pre-chop veggies – Store broccoli and garlic in the fridge for quick use.
• Cook pasta ahead – Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Batch-cook chicken – Use it in salads or wraps later in the week.

Reviving Leftovers

• Crisp it up – Sauté in a pan for a slightly caramelized texture.
• Add freshness – Top with extra parsley or lemon zest before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

🔥 Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente holds up better in the sauce.
🔥 Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
🔥 Deglaze the pan – After cooking the chicken, scrape up the browned bits for extra flavor.
🔥 Add lemon zest – Brightens up the dish beautifully.

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How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
• Freezing not recommended – The cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw and pat dry to avoid excess water in the sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk works, but the sauce will be thinner.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but the pasta may absorb some sauce—reheat with extra cream.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love the creamy, cheesy flavors.

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Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Weeknight Dinner!

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough for any home cook. With its rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and nutrient-packed broccoli, it’s a balanced, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy evenings.