Why Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Will Become Your Weeknight Hero
This isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s golden-seared chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and luxuriously creamy sauce all in one pot. Perfect when you need:
- A dinner that impresses but doesn’t stress
- Pantry-friendly ingredients (no rare items!)
- Kid-approved nutrition (hidden veggies FTW!)
Table of Contents
✅ Key Benefits:
- One-pot wonder (minimal cleanup!)
- Balanced meal (protein + veg + carbs)
- Leftover magic (tastes even better next day)
Irresistible Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pasta pot
- Tongs
Ingredients
Pasta & Vegetables
- 8 oz whole wheat penne
- 12 oz frozen broccoli florets
Chicken & Seasonings
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into 4 cutlets
- 2 tbsp neutral oil canola or avocado
Cream Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms baby bella or white
- 8 oz cream cheese cubed, room temperature
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan plus extra for serving
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add penne and frozen broccoli, cooking per package directions (about 8 mins). Reserve 2 cups pasta water, then drain.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium-high. Pat chicken dry, season with salt/pepper, and sear 2-3 mins per side until golden. Transfer to oven.
- In same skillet, melt butter. Sauté mushrooms 5 mins until golden. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, stirring until melted. Gradually whisk in 1 cup reserved pasta water and Parmesan until smooth.
- Toss sauce with cooked penne and broccoli. Slice chicken and serve over pasta, garnished with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Ingredients of Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne and Why They Matter
(Serves 4 hungry adults)
| Ingredient | Chef’s Secret |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat penne | Holds sauce better than regular pasta |
| Frozen broccoli | Just as nutritious as fresh (and cheaper!) |
| Cream cheese + Parmesan | Creates velvety sauce without flour |
| Mushrooms | Adds umami depth (omit if you must) |
Pro Tip: Use Neufchâtel cheese for 1/3 less fat but same creaminess!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook Pasta & Broccoli Together
- Boil heavily salted water (should taste like the sea)
- Add penne + frozen broccoli (saves time + dishes!)
- Reserve 2 cups pasta water (golden rule of creamy sauces!)
2. Sear Chicken Like a Pro
- Pat chicken VERY dry (key for golden crust)
- Season → Sear undisturbed 2 mins/side
- Finish in 200°F oven (keeps juicy while you make sauce)
3. Build the Cream Sauce
- Sauté mushrooms in chicken fond (flavor gold!)
- Melt in cream cheese + garlic
- Whisk in pasta water + Parmesan until silky
4. Combine & Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
- Toss pasta/broccoli with sauce
- Top with sliced chicken + extra Parmesan
Chef Andrew’s Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Pro Tips
For Extra Flavor:
- Deglaze pan with 1/4 cup white wine before adding cream cheese
- Finish with lemon zest to brighten richness
Storage Hacks:
- Fridge: 3 days (add splash of milk when reheating)
- Freeze: 2 months (sauce separates slightly—still tasty!)
Final Thoughts: Why This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne Will Save Your Weeknights
Let’s be honest—some nights, you need dinner to be fast, foolproof, and fabulous. This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne checks every box:
✅ 20 minutes from fridge to table (yes, really!)
✅ One-pot magic (because who has time for dishes?)
✅ Crowd-pleasing (kids, partners, and picky eaters approved)
The secret? Restaurant tricks made simple:
- Golden-seared chicken (pat it dry—I promise it’s worth it!)
- Silky, no-fail sauce (cream cheese + pasta water = genius)
- Broccoli cooked right in the pasta pot (efficiency wins!)
Pro Tip: Double the batch! Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch—just add a splash of milk to revive the sauce.
More Recipes You’ll Love:
Irresistible Crispy Parmesan Chicken (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
Juicy Huli Huli Chicken (Better Than Takeout!) – Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe
Or go to my Pinterest.
FAQ
How to make creamy broccoli pasta?
The secret is reserved pasta water! Cook pasta with broccoli, then use the starchy water to emulsify a sauce with cream cheese and Parmesan. Pro tip: Add the broccoli during the last 3 minutes if using fresh.
What to add to Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne] for more flavor?
Boost your dish with:
Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced)
Mushrooms (sautéed for umami)
Lemon zest (brightens the creaminess)
Red pepper flakes (for heat lovers)
How long can creamy chicken pasta stay in the fridge?
✅ 3-4 days in an airtight container.
✅ Reheat with 1 tbsp milk to restore creaminess.
❌ Avoid freezing (dairy sauces may separate).
How to make a chicken and broccoli bake?
Transform this recipe by:
Combining cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and sauce
Topping with breadcrumbs + extra cheese
Baking at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 mins until bubbly
How healthy is chicken and broccoli?
This dish delivers:
High protein (chicken + cheese)
Fiber & vitamins (broccoli + whole wheat pasta)
Moderate calories (~450/serving). For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese.
Is broccoli better boiled or baked?
For this recipe:
✔ Boiled with pasta (retains nutrients, one-pot convenience)
For meal prep:
✔ Roasted (deeper flavor, but adds 20 mins)