Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Penne – Your New Weeknight Hero!
Craving a quick, comforting dinner that’s easy to make but feels indulgent?
This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Penne is your answer!
Juicy seared chicken, tender pasta, and a velvety Parmesan sauce—all made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
No heavy cream, no complicated steps—just one pot, 30 minutes, and a whole lot of flavor!
Perfect for busy nights, picky eaters, and serious comfort food cravings.
One bite, and you’ll see why this is a go-to meal you’ll make again and again!
Let’s get cooking!
For the Pasta and Chicken
- Penne Pasta – Whole wheat penne adds a nutty flavor and a hearty bite.
- Chicken Breasts – Sliced into thin cutlets for quicker cooking.
- Frozen Broccoli – No need to thaw; it cooks perfectly with the pasta.
- Mushrooms – Adds a savory, umami depth to the dish.
- Garlic – Brings out rich, aromatic flavors.
- Vegetable Oil – Used for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Cream Cheese – Creates a velvety, tangy sauce without the need for heavy cream.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a bold, salty kick to the sauce.
- Butter – Helps sauté the mushrooms and build the sauce.
- Pasta Water – The “secret ingredient” that makes the sauce silky and smooth.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.
For Serving
- Extra Parmesan – For an extra cheesy finish.
- Fresh Parsley – Optional, but adds a pop of color and freshness.
Chicken and Broccoli Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat penne
- 12 oz frozen broccoli
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved into 4 cutlets (about 1 ½ lbs)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms (baby bella or preferred variety)
- 2-3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese or neufchâtel, cubed
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Cook Pasta & Broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and frozen broccoli, cooking per package instructions (about 8 minutes) until al dente.
- Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, then drain (do not rinse) and return pasta and broccoli to the pot.
Cook Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear chicken, undisturbed, for about 2 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 155°F–160°F.
- Transfer chicken to an oven-safe plate, loosely cover with foil, and keep warm in a 200°F oven.
Prepare Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add mushrooms, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until golden (7–10 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 20–30 seconds.
- Add cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of reserved pasta water, followed by Parmesan. Stir until creamy.
Assemble & Serve:
- Pour the sauce over the pasta and broccoli, tossing to coat. If needed, add more reserved pasta water for a smoother texture. Adjust seasoning.
- Slice chicken into thin strips and serve over the pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan.
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Nutrition
1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just cut it into small florets and add it to the pasta water in the last 4 minutes of cooking. This way, it stays bright and tender without getting mushy.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No worries! Swap it with heavy cream, or a mix of milk and a little flour to keep the sauce creamy and thick. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter version!
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.
4. Can I use a different pasta?
Of course! Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle all work great. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
5. How can I add more flavor?
Want to level it up? Add red pepper flakes for a little kick, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or stir in crispy bacon or caramelized onions for extra depth.
One pot, 30 minutes, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love?
