If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, wholesome, and quick dinner idea, this one-pot penne pasta with chicken and broccoli is the perfect solution. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta all simmered together in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, it’s a dish that delivers comfort and nutrition in every bite—without the hassle of multiple pans.
This recipe is not only weeknight-friendly but also impressive enough for guests. By cooking everything in one pot, you save time, reduce cleanup, and allow the ingredients to naturally build layers of flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Convenience → One pot means fewer dishes and less cleanup.
- Balanced Nutrition → Protein-rich chicken, fiber-loaded broccoli, and wholesome pasta.
- Creamy but Light → The sauce thickens naturally with pasta starch, so you need less cream.
- Customizable → Swap ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required for a classic creamy chicken broccoli pasta (serves 4):
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free optional)
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, boneless & skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian variation)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook Pasta & Broccoli
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook penne pasta according to package directions. Add broccoli florets in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Chicken
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in the same pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine Everything
Return chicken to the pot. Add drained pasta and broccoli. Toss well to coat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Cut chicken evenly → Ensures all pieces cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcook broccoli → Adding it in the last 2 minutes keeps it bright green and crisp-tender.
- Starch is your friend → Pasta starch helps thicken the sauce naturally, no extra flour needed.
- Cream alternative → For a lighter dish, substitute cream with Greek yogurt or cashew cream.
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Swaps → Shrimp, salmon, or tofu work beautifully.
- Vegetable Add-ins → Spinach, zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms.
- Low-Carb Version → Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Dairy-Free → Use coconut cream or cashew cream + nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Fat: 12 g (Saturated 3.5 g)
- Sodium: 480 mg
🔬 Nutritional Highlights:
- Chicken = lean protein for muscle repair.
- Broccoli = rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
- Parmesan = adds calcium for bone health.
- Whole-grain pasta (optional) = sustained energy with higher fiber.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread → Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- With Salad → A simple arugula or Caesar salad balances richness.
- With Wine → Pair with Chardonnay (buttery complement) or Sauvignon Blanc (crisp contrast).
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate → Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat → Stovetop preferred, add a splash of broth or cream to revive sauce.
- Freezer-friendly? → Yes, up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs About Penne Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just add it directly to the pasta water without thawing.
Q2: How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Sear quickly over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking.
Q3: Can I meal-prep this recipe?
Yes! Cook pasta, chicken, and broccoli separately, then combine with sauce when ready to serve.
Q4: Can this be made vegetarian?
Absolutely—swap chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh.
Q5: Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Skip the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Final Thoughts
This creamy one-pot penne pasta with chicken and broccoli is the kind of recipe that delivers everything: flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s ideal for busy weeknights but special enough for company.
Whether you keep it classic, make it lighter, or try gourmet variations, this dish is endlessly adaptable. Cooking should be fun and flexible, and this recipe gives you a reliable foundation to play with flavors and ingredients.
👉 Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a go-to comfort food worth keeping in your weekly rotation.