Penne with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Penne with Chicken and Broccoli is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and penne come together in a light cream cheese sauce that’s kid-friendly and delicious. I made this for a quick family dinner, and everyone loved the cheesy goodness! This recipe uses pantry staples and minimal dishes for easy cleanup. Let’s whip up this tasty pasta together!

Ingredients for Penne with Chicken and Broccoli

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Substitutions: Use rotini or bowtie pasta instead of penne. Swap broccoli for frozen peas or spinach. Replace cream cheese with heavy cream or Boursin cheese for a richer sauce. Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or rotisserie chicken for faster prep.

Notes: Fresh broccoli keeps a crisp texture, but frozen works well and cooks faster. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce thickness, as suggested by The Kitchen.

Why This Penne with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe Works

This recipe is quick, taking only 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings. The cream cheese and pasta water create a silky sauce without heavy cream, making it lighter but still flavorful. It’s versatile, letting you use fresh or frozen ingredients. I love how the broccoli cooks with the pasta to save time. Kids enjoy the cheesy sauce, and adults appreciate the balanced flavors. You can customize it with extra veggies or spices.

How to Make Penne with Chicken and Broccoli

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add penne and cook for 8 minutes, adding broccoli in the last 3 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant; stir in cream cheese and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Add Parmesan and reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.

Combine and Serve

Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet; toss to coat in the creamy sauce, adding more pasta water if needed. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and parsley, if using.

Tips for Success

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; pre-minced can be less potent. Cook pasta to al dente to avoid mushiness when mixed with sauce. I added extra Parmesan for a cheesier dish, and it was a hit. Cut chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it first to prevent excess water in the sauce. Prep ingredients ahead to make this a 30-minute meal. I made this for a weeknight dinner, and it was so easy.

Variations and Substitutions

Add ½ cup sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies; I tried mushrooms, and they added a nice earthy flavor. Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different protein. Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino for a bolder taste. Make it gluten-free with gluten-free penne, as suggested by Wendy Polisi. For a spicier kick, add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Can You Freeze Penne with Chicken and Broccoli?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating. I froze some, and it reheated well with a bit of extra broth.

FAQs About Penne with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
   Yes, thaw it first to avoid a watery sauce. I used fresh broccoli for a crisp texture, but frozen works in a pinch.
   
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
   Use heavy cream or Boursin cheese for a similar creamy texture. I tried heavy cream, and it was rich and smooth.
   
3. Can I make this ahead?
   Cook the pasta and chicken ahead, but make the sauce fresh for the best texture. I prepared the ingredients in the morning, and dinner was quick.
   
4. Why is my sauce too thick?
   Add more reserved pasta water or broth to thin it out; stir over low heat. I added a splash of broth, and it was perfect.
   

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal, as recommended by Crunchy Creamy Sweet. Pair with iced tea or white wine for a cozy dinner.

Nutrition Info for Penne with Chicken and Broccoli

Per serving (1 cup, 6 servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Penne with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a quick, creamy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Its cheesy sauce and tender ingredients make it a family favorite. Share your favorite add-in in the comments below