Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe – Better Than Takeout

This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 20 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to a perfectly creamy, not watery sauce. The broccoli turns a beautiful green, and the chicken is tender and juicy. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Pumpkin and Potato Gratin Recipe for Cozy Dinners and Quick Spicy Chili Oil Udon Noodles Recipe.

What You'll Need for Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe – Better Than Takeout

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: Red pepper flakes

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe – Better Than Takeout

1. Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli to the pot for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and add Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth with an immersion blender.
4. Step 4: Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Slice the chicken and add it back to the skillet. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Storing & Reheating Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe – Better Than Takeout

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can cook the pasta and broccoli ahead of time and reheat with the sauce when ready to serve.

Freezing Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe – Better Than Takeout

Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta and add some spinach to the sauce.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu.
• Make-ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
• Troubleshooting: If your sauce is separating, it's likely because the milk is curdling. This can happen if the milk is too hot. To fix, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe – Better Than Takeout

⏱

Prep

10 mins

🍳

Cook

10 mins

⏳

Total

20 mins

🍽

Serves

4 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free option

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 8 oz penne pasta

Seasonings

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Optional Toppings

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli to the pot for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and add Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth with an immersion blender.
4. Step 4: Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Slice the chicken and add it back to the skillet. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta and add some spinach to the sauce.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu.
• Make-ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
• Troubleshooting: If your sauce is separating, it's likely because the milk is curdling. This can happen if the milk is too hot. To fix, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Make ahead: You can cook the pasta and broccoli ahead of time and reheat with the sauce when ready to serve.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 570
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sat. Fat: 12g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe – Better Than Takeout FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe – Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!