Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Recipe

So you want a dinner that tastes like you actually tried… without actually trying? Welcome to the magical world of creamy broccoli chicken penne—a dish that says “I’m a responsible adult” while secretly being as easy as throwing everything in a pan and hoping for the best. Spoiler: this one actually works.

Let’s cook something delicious without losing your sanity. Sound good? Thought so.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

First of all, it’s creamy, comforting, and ridiculously easy—basically the holy trinity of weeknight dinners.
Second, it makes you look like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen. No judgment if you don’t.
And third, it’s packed with broccoli, which means you can proudly tell people you “ate your greens today.”

Oh, and it’s idiot-proof. Seriously, even I didn’t mess it up—and that’s saying something.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Translation: Here’s your shopping list so you don’t wander the grocery aisles like a lost tortilla chip.)

• 2 cups penne pasta – The shape that never lets you down.
• 2 cups broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen—no one’s judging.
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced – Or use thighs if you’re feeling rebellious.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – The liquid gold.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic is personality.
• 1 cup heavy cream – The star of the show.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Flavor booster, don’t skip.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – More cheese = more happiness.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Fancy way of saying “mixed herbs.”
• Salt & pepper, to taste – Aka “season your food, please.”
• Optional: red pepper flakes – For people who like drama in their pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta.
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne until al dente. Drain it, but save a splash of pasta water. It’s liquid magic.
2. Cook the chicken.
   Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully done. Try not to stir it every 2 seconds—let it get that nice sear.
3. Add the garlic.
   Toss the minced garlic into the pan and sauté for 30 seconds. Don’t burn it unless you enjoy the taste of regret.
4. Add broccoli.
   If using fresh broccoli, toss it in and cook 3–4 minutes. If frozen, just add a minute or two more.
5. Make it creamy.
   Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir like you mean it. Let it bubble for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add the cheese.
   Sprinkle in the Parmesan and stir until everything melts together into silky perfection.
7. Season it up.
   Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling sassy.
8. Add the cooked pasta.
   Toss the penne into the pan. If the sauce feels too thick, use that saved pasta water to loosen it. Don’t skip this—it’s a chef’s secret.
9. Serve immediately.
   Top with extra Parmesan because life is short.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the pasta water. Rookie mistake. That starchy goodness makes your sauce go from “meh” to “chef’s kiss.”
• Overcooking the chicken. Dry chicken is a crime. Keep an eye on it.
• Not salting the pasta water. Your pasta deserves better than unseasoned sadness.
• Boiling the cream too hard. You’re making pasta, not trying to reenact a volcano explosion.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No chicken? Use shrimp, tofu, or go full veggie with mushrooms.
• No heavy cream? Substitute half-and-half, but add a little extra Parmesan to keep things thick and luscious.
• Gluten-free? Just swap the pasta for GF penne. Easy win.
• Broccoli haters? (First of all, why?) Use spinach, peas, or zucchini instead.
• Feeling fancy? Add sun-dried tomatoes or crispy bacon. Or both. YOLO.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is the lazy hero we all deserve.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but the sauce thickens as it cools. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating so it’s not a pasta brick.

Can I make it spicy?

Red pepper flakes are your friend. Add chili oil if you’re feeling extra chaotic.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Technically yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add more cheese to compensate. Cheese solves everything.

Will kids eat this?

If they don’t, that’s more for you. Win-win.

Do I have to use penne?

Nope! Any pasta shape works. But penne really grabs that creamy sauce like a champ.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yep. Dump it straight in. Frozen broccoli doesn’t need a pre-game.

Related Articles:

• Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe
• Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Recipe
• Pineapple Chicken Skewers Recipe 

Final Thoughts

And there you go—a creamy broccoli chicken penne that tastes like you spent an hour cooking… when in reality, you barely did. This dish is comforting, flavorful, and absolutely weeknight-friendly.

Now go impress someone—or just impress yourself. IMO, that’s way more satisfying anyway. Enjoy your creamy masterpiece!