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A plated serving of creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper. Steam rises from the dish, while a fork twirls a bite of pasta, ready to be enjoyed.

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne Recipe

This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne is a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and penne pasta smothered in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. A delicious weeknight favorite!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian- American
Servings 4
Calories 576 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Strainer
  • Large skillet or pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups penne pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 medium chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
    A large stainless steel pot on a white marble cooktop, filled with boiling salted water and penne pasta. In the last two minutes, vibrant green broccoli florets are added, steaming slightly. A slotted spoon rests on the side, ready to drain the ingredients.
  • Season and cook the chicken in a skillet with olive oil and butter until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and slice.
    A black skillet on a white marble cooktop, where two seasoned chicken breasts sizzle in a blend of olive oil and butter. The golden-brown crust forms on the edges, creating a slightly crispy texture, while a wooden spatula is nearby, ready to flip them.
  • Sauté garlic in the same pan until fragrant, then add cornstarch mixed with milk to thicken the sauce.
    A black skillet on a white marble cooktop, where minced garlic sizzles in the remaining butter and oil. A wooden spoon gently stirs, releasing the rich, fragrant aroma as the garlic turns golden.
  • Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan, and seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper) until smooth.
    A black skillet on a white marble cooktop, where a smooth cornstarch and milk mixture is being poured in. The liquid swirls and bubbles slightly as a wooden spoon stirs, thickening into a creamy sauce.
  • Add pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
    A black skillet on a white marble cooktop, where softened cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan are being stirred into the thickened sauce. The mixture melts into a velvety texture, with seasonings sprinkled on top for extra flavor.
  • Let it simmer for a minute, then remove from heat.
    A black skillet on a white marble cooktop, now filled with cooked penne pasta, tender broccoli, and sliced chicken. Everything is being tossed together, evenly coated in the rich and velvety garlic Parmesan sauce.
  • Garnish with extra Parmesan and black pepper before serving.
  • Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
    A plated serving of creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper. Steam rises from the dish, while a fork twirls a bite of pasta, ready to be enjoyed.