Description
This Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli is the ultimate cozy dinner, combining tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked penne, crisp-tender broccoli, and plenty of melted mozzarella in a rich, creamy sauce. Every bite is savory, cheesy, and satisfying.
The chicken and mozzarella make this a protein-friendly pasta meal, while broccoli adds fiber, color, and freshness. It isn’t traditionally low-carb because of the penne, but you can easily use a lower-carb or protein-enriched pasta to make it more suitable for a low-carb-inspired meal plan.
Can This Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli Support Weight Loss Goals?
It can fit into a balanced weight-conscious eating pattern when portions are appropriate. Chicken provides lean protein that can make a meal more satisfying, while broccoli adds volume and fiber. Using moderate amounts of cream, mozzarella, and pasta can help keep the overall calorie content manageable without sacrificing the creamy texture that makes this dish enjoyable.
Does Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli Fit a High Protein Lifestyle?
Yes, this recipe can fit a high-protein lifestyle because chicken breast and mozzarella provide substantial protein. The pasta contributes additional protein and carbohydrates, while broccoli adds fiber and micronutrients. With standard penne, the net carbs are relatively high, so it isn’t a traditional low-carb recipe. For a lower-carb version, use protein-enriched or low-carb pasta and keep the creamy sauce portion controlled.
My Personal Experience
- The creamy sauce makes this pasta incredibly comforting.
It coats the penne beautifully without completely hiding the savory chicken and broccoli flavors. - The chicken adds a satisfying protein boost.
Seasoning the chicken before browning gives it a golden exterior and much more flavor throughout the dish. - Broccoli balances the richness of the sauce.
Its slightly crisp texture adds freshness and prevents the pasta from feeling too heavy. - Mozzarella gives the dish its irresistible finish.
It melts into the warm sauce and creates little pockets of stretchy, cheesy goodness.
Perfect For:
- High-protein dinner ideas
- Family weeknight meals
- Comfort-food cravings
- Easy meal-prep lunches
- Chicken pasta dinners
- Broccoli recipes
- Protein-friendly meals
- Cozy winter dinners
- Post-workout meal ideas
- Protein-enriched pasta meal plans
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Creamy and cheesy
A smooth cream sauce combined with melted mozzarella gives every piece of penne a rich, comforting coating. - Packed with chicken
Tender chicken breast adds plenty of protein and makes the pasta more substantial. - Broccoli adds freshness
Tender-crisp broccoli provides color, texture, and a pleasant contrast to the creamy sauce. - Easy one-pan-style finish
Once the chicken and sauce are prepared, everything comes together quickly in the same skillet. - Family-friendly flavor
Mild Italian-style seasoning, creamy sauce, chicken, and mozzarella make this an easy dinner for the whole family.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcooking the penne — Cook it just until al dente because it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Overcooking the chicken — Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces and cook only until it reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Adding mozzarella over high heat — Excessive heat can make cheese greasy or stringy instead of smoothly melted.
- Making the sauce too thick — Reserve some pasta water and add it gradually if the sauce needs loosening.
Required Equipment:
- Large pot — Provides enough room to cook the penne evenly.
- Large skillet — Makes it easy to brown the chicken and combine the entire dish.
- Colander — Drains the pasta while allowing you to reserve pasta water.
- Wooden spoon — Helps stir the sauce without scratching the skillet.
- Sharp knife — Makes cutting the chicken and broccoli quick and uniform.
Storage Instructions
Allow leftovers to cool slightly before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
For freezing, place completely cooled portions in freezer-safe airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. The creamy sauce may change slightly in texture after freezing, so reheating slowly works best.
Reheat refrigerated portions in a skillet over low to medium-low heat, adding 1–2 tablespoons of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce.
🍝 Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Best Season: All-season
Total Calories: Approximately 540 calories per serving
Short 3-Line Description
Tender chicken, broccoli, penne, and mozzarella come together in a creamy, savory sauce.
It’s a comforting protein-friendly dinner with plenty of cheesy flavor.
Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or satisfying meal-prep lunch.
📝 Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Chicken
- 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼–½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
Optional: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for serving.
👩🍳 Directions
1. Cook the penne
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Add the penne and cook according to the package directions, usually around 9–11 minutes, until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Prepare the broccoli
During the final 2–3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water.
The broccoli should become bright green and tender-crisp rather than mushy. Drain together with the pasta.
3. Season the chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the pieces evenly so every bite is flavorful.
4. Brown the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
For food safety, chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
5. Start the creamy sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
6. Add the cream
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.
Simmer gently over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
7. Add Parmesan and mozzarella
Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
High-protein tip: Keep the chicken portion generous and use moderate cheese and cream so the meal gets much of its protein from the chicken rather than relying entirely on high-calorie cheese.
8. Combine everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained penne and broccoli. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches a silky consistency.
9. Finish and serve
Cook everything together over low heat for 1–2 minutes.
The finished sauce should cling to the penne, the broccoli should remain tender-crisp, and the chicken should be juicy and fully cooked.
Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
📊 Nutrition Facts
Per Serving — Approximate
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~540 kcal |
| Fat | ~25 g |
| Cholesterol | ~125 mg |
| Sodium | ~650 mg |
| Potassium | ~650 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | ~48 g |
| Fiber | ~5 g |
| Net Carbs | ~43 g |
| Sugars | ~5 g |
| Protein | ~42 g |
| Calcium | ~330 mg |
Nutrition is an approximate estimate and will vary depending on the pasta, cream, cheese, broth, and chicken brands used.
💡 Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk, broth, or water to restore the creamy sauce.
- Allergy notes: Contains milk/dairy and wheat; use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Protein boost: Use protein-enriched pasta or increase the chicken slightly for a higher-protein version.
- Lower-carb option: Replace regular penne with a suitable low-carb or high-protein pasta.
- Flavor boost: Add red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, extra garlic, or a little Parmesan just before serving.
- Broccoli tip: Keep the broccoli slightly crisp so it retains better texture after being mixed into the hot creamy sauce.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well but will usually contain more fat.
2. Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes, rotini, rigatoni, shells, or farfalle can all replace penne.
3. Can I make this pasta lower in carbs?
Yes, use a low-carb or protein-enriched pasta and adjust the cooking time according to its package directions.
4. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, thawed frozen broccoli can be used, although fresh broccoli usually gives a firmer texture.
5. Why did my cheese sauce become oily?
Very high heat can cause the cheese and cream to separate, so keep the heat low when adding the mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and refrigerate it, then gently reheat it with a splash of liquid to loosen the creamy sauce.