If you’ve been craving the perfect Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake recipe, you’re in for a treat. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a luscious creamy sauce. Whether you prefer the comforting flavors of a creamy tomato chicken and broccoli penne or the richness of a creamy mushroom and broccoli chicken penne, this recipe delivers a cozy and satisfying meal that feels like comfort food but comes together quickly. Ideal for busy weeknights or a special family dinner, this creamy chicken penne with broccoli recipe is versatile, kid-friendly, and loaded with flavor.
If you enjoy comforting, family-friendly meals like this, explore more easy dinner recipes here.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make – perfect for weeknights.
- Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
- Family-friendly dish that even picky eaters enjoy.
- Flexible – try creamy chicken pesto penne with broccoli or a Tuscan-style twist.
- A balanced mix of protein, veggies, and carbs.
- Works well for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- Cozy, comfort food vibes in every bite.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make this creamy broccoli chicken penne pasta, you’ll need:
- Penne pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred).
- Chicken breast or thighs (cubed).
- Fresh broccoli florets (or frozen if you’re in a hurry).
- Heavy cream (swap with Greek yogurt or milk for a lighter option).
- Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor).
- Garlic, onion, olive oil, and seasonings.
Storage Tip: Keep broccoli fresh by storing unwashed florets in a perforated bag in the fridge. You can also prep extra and freeze for future chicken broccoli alfredo penne pasta recipes.
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Ingredient Portions
For the Pasta Bake
- 2 cups (about 250g) dry pasta
(penne, fusilli, or any short pasta) - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
(about 300g — rotisserie chicken works great) - 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional but adds flavor)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- High-Quality Protein:
Chicken provides lean protein that supports muscle health and helps keep the meal filling and satisfying. - Vegetable-Rich:
Broccoli adds fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support digestion and immune health. - Balanced Carbohydrates:
Pasta supplies energy-giving carbohydrates, making this dish ideal for active families and busy days. - Calcium for Bone Health:
Cheese and dairy contribute calcium, supporting strong bones and teeth. - Healthy Fats for Satiety:
Moderate fats from cheese and butter help with fullness and enhance flavor without needing heavy additives. - Family-Friendly Nutrition:
A balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs in one dish makes it a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. - Meal-Prep Friendly:
Holds up well for leftovers, making it convenient for lunches or quick reheated dinners.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in cream and let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss in the broccoli florets and cook until just tender, keeping them slightly crisp for texture.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and well blended.
- Add the penne pasta, tossing everything together. Adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Tip: For a restaurant-quality finish, top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Want a twist? Try turning this into a chicken broccoli alfredo penne bake by baking with mozzarella cheese until bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken and broccoli penne pairs wonderfully with:
- A side salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
- A glass of white wine for adults or sparkling water with lemon.
For comfort, serve family-style with a large serving bowl at the center of the table—just like an Italian feast.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 20g
- Net Carbs: 3–5g
This keeps you within the 20–30g net carb daily limit if you’re following keto or low-carb goals.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Best reheated on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.
- Yes, you can freeze it—just undercook the pasta slightly before freezing.
- Meal prep tip: Divide into containers with extra veggies for quick grab-and-go lunches.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make creamy broccoli chicken penne lighter?
A: Yes! Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or light cream cheese.
Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Absolutely. Penne works best, but rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine are great options.
Q: What’s the difference between Alfredo and this recipe?
A: Alfredo is creamier and uses butter with Parmesan. This recipe balances creaminess with a broccoli twist.
Q: Can I cook this in a crockpot?
A: Yes! Try a creamy chicken broccoli penne crockpot version—just add pasta in the last 30 minutes to avoid mushiness.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pasta pot
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Recipe Variations
- Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
- Southwest Flavor: Add chili powder, corn, and black beans.
- Herbal Delight: Use fresh basil, parsley, and thyme.
- Egg White Version: Swap cream for whisked egg whites and light cheese.
Conclusion
This creamy broccoli and chicken penne recipe is everything you need in a family dinner—quick, hearty, creamy, and full of flavor. Whether you want a simple weeknight meal or a Tuscan-inspired chicken broccoli alfredo penne bake, this recipe will win hearts at the table.
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Hi, I am Lilian!
A food creator passionate about easy, healthy homemade recipes that simplify your day.
On Lilian’s Meal Prep Kitchen, I share meal prep ideas, comfort food, and time-saving cooking tips to inspire your kitchen.
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