Description

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a creamy and comforting one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken and crisp broccoli florets are combined with penne pasta in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a deliciously simple meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 lb Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Pasta

1 lb Penne pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

1 cup Heavy cream
0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Olive oil
2 cloves Garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
Add Garlic and Broccoli: To the same skillet with chicken, add the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the garlic is fragrant.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes so the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
Serve: Transfer the chicken broccoli pasta to serving plates or bowls and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets—if frozen, no need to thaw before cooking.
Adding red pepper flakes can give a nice subtle heat if desired.
This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove to prevent sauce separation.
Grate fresh Parmesan for the best flavor compared to pre-grated types.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken broccoli pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one pan pasta, easy weeknight dinner, penne pasta recipe