Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella – Easy 35-Minute Dinner

Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella is a rich, comforting pasta dinner that combines tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked penne, fresh broccoli, and a silky mozzarella-Parmesan cream sauce. This easy one-skillet-style meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple ingredients and just 35 minutes of your time.

If you love creamy chicken pasta, this recipe deserves a place in your regular dinner rotation. The juicy chicken adds satisfying protein, the broccoli brings freshness and color, and the melted cheese creates an irresistibly smooth sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

Meanwhile, fresh garlic adds savory depth, and Parmesan gives the sauce a deliciously rich finish.

Unlike complicated pasta dishes that require multiple sauces or lengthy preparation, this recipe keeps everything straightforward.

You cook the pasta and broccoli, sauté the chicken, prepare the cream sauce, and toss everything together.

The result is a hearty, satisfying dinner that works beautifully for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, and family gatherings.

Best of all, Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella uses familiar grocery-store ingredients that you can easily keep on hand.

You can also customize the recipe with additional vegetables, different cheeses, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing leftovers for the next day, this creamy pasta offers a delicious combination of convenience and comfort.

I first started making creamy chicken penne when I needed a dependable dinner that everyone would enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen. I had chicken breast, a bag of broccoli, and some mozzarella cheese in the refrigerator, so I decided to bring them together with pasta and a simple garlic cream sauce. The first time I served it, the tender chicken and cheesy sauce disappeared quickly, while the broccoli added just enough freshness to balance the richness. I especially liked how easily the recipe came together after a busy day. Since then, this creamy pasta has become one of my favorite meals whenever I want something warm, filling, and simple.

RECIPE AT A GLANCE

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Difficulty: Easy

Cooking Method: Stovetop

Why Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella Is a Family Favorite

The Perfect Combination of Tender Chicken, Pasta, and Creamy Cheese

One of the biggest reasons people love Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella is its satisfying balance of textures and flavors.

Penne pasta provides the perfect foundation for a rich cream sauce.

Its short, tube-shaped pieces hold sauce inside and around the ridges, allowing every bite to deliver plenty of cheesy flavor.

Meanwhile, chicken breast adds a hearty, savory element.

When you cook the chicken properly, it becomes tender and juicy.

The mild flavor of chicken also complements the garlic, mozzarella, and Parmesan beautifully.

Next comes the broccoli.

Fresh broccoli adds a vibrant green color and a slightly earthy flavor.

Its tender florets create a pleasant contrast to the creamy pasta.

Additionally, broccoli contributes fiber and several important nutrients, including vitamin C and vitamin K.

The sauce brings everything together.

Heavy cream creates a rich, velvety base.

Mozzarella adds mild, creamy flavor and a slightly stretchy texture.

Parmesan contributes a sharper, savory finish.

Together, the cheeses create a delicious sauce without requiring complicated ingredients.

Fresh garlic adds another layer of flavor.

As it cooks briefly in olive oil, it releases a wonderful aroma that complements the cream.

Finally, a little salt and black pepper balance the richness.

The finished dish offers tender chicken, satisfying pasta, fresh vegetables, and a smooth cheese sauce in every serving.

Why This Easy Pasta Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights

Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella makes an excellent weeknight dinner because it combines convenience with comforting flavor.

The recipe requires approximately 15 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking.

That means you can prepare a complete family meal in about 35 minutes.

Another advantage involves the ingredient list.

You only need pasta, broccoli, chicken breast, olive oil, garlic, heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basic seasonings.

These familiar ingredients make grocery shopping simple.

Additionally, the recipe provides four generous servings.

You can serve it as a complete meal because it already includes pasta, protein, and vegetables.

However, a fresh green salad or warm garlic bread makes a delicious accompaniment.

The recipe also works well when you need to use leftover ingredients.

For example, leftover cooked chicken can shorten the preparation time.

You can also use frozen broccoli instead of fresh.

Simply cook the broccoli until tender and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.

Another benefit involves customization.

You can add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.

For a little heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes.

If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, increase the Parmesan slightly.

These easy variations help keep the recipe interesting while preserving its creamy, comforting character.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella

Choosing the Right Pasta, Chicken, and Fresh Broccoli

The foundation of delicious Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella begins with eight ounces of penne pasta.

Penne works especially well because its shape holds creamy sauce beautifully.

Choose regular or whole-wheat penne according to your preference.

However, remember that whole-wheat pasta may have a firmer texture and slightly nuttier flavor.

Cook the pasta in generously salted boiling water until al dente.

Al dente pasta maintains a slight firmness, which helps prevent it from becoming mushy after you toss it with the hot sauce.

Next, use one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast.

Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces.

Uniform pieces cook more consistently and make the finished dish easier to eat.

For the best texture, avoid cutting the chicken too small.

Pieces approximately one inch wide work well.

Next, choose two cups of broccoli florets.

Fresh broccoli creates a vibrant color and pleasant texture.

Look for florets with a deep green color and firm stems.

Avoid broccoli with yellowing florets or a strong unpleasant odor.

You can also use frozen broccoli.

However, thaw or cook it first and drain any excess moisture.

Next, use two tablespoons of olive oil.

Olive oil helps the chicken brown and prevents sticking.

Finally, add three minced garlic cloves.

Fresh garlic provides a stronger aroma than garlic powder and blends beautifully into the cream sauce.

Creating a Smooth Mozzarella and Parmesan Cream Sauce

The creamy cheese sauce makes Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella especially satisfying.

Start with one cup of heavy cream.

Heavy cream provides richness and helps create a smooth sauce.

For the best results, warm the cream gently rather than boiling it rapidly.

High heat can cause the sauce to reduce too quickly or become greasy.

Next, add one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Mozzarella has a mild flavor and melts into a creamy consistency.

Low-moisture mozzarella works particularly well because it contains less water than fresh mozzarella.

For the smoothest sauce, shred the cheese yourself.

Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking ingredients that can affect how smoothly it melts.

Next, add half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Parmesan provides a savory, slightly salty flavor that balances the mild mozzarella.

Freshly grated Parmesan blends beautifully into warm cream.

However, avoid adding the cheese while the sauce boils vigorously.

Instead, reduce the heat and stir gradually.

This helps the cheese melt more evenly.

Finally, season with salt and black pepper.

Start with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper.

However, taste the sauce before adding extra salt because Parmesan already contributes sodium.

For a thinner sauce, reserve some pasta cooking water.

A small splash can help loosen the sauce without reducing its flavor.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella Step by Step

Cooking the Penne, Broccoli, and Tender Chicken

Making Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella begins with preparing the pasta.

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add eight ounces of penne pasta.

Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

During the final two to three minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the boiling water.

This convenient technique cooks the broccoli without requiring another pot.

The broccoli should become tender while maintaining a bright green color.

Before draining, reserve approximately half a cup of pasta cooking water.

Then drain the pasta and broccoli together.

Set them aside.

Meanwhile, prepare the chicken.

Cut one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast into evenly sized pieces.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

This helps the surface brown more effectively.

Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced chicken in an even layer.

Avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Cook for approximately five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally.

The chicken should develop light golden-brown edges.

Continue cooking until the thickest pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Next, add the minced garlic.

Stir for approximately one minute.

The garlic should become fragrant without burning.

Now you’re ready to prepare the cream sauce.

Making the Creamy Cheese Sauce and Combining Everything

Once the chicken finishes cooking, reduce the skillet heat to medium-low.

Pour one cup of heavy cream into the skillet.

Stir gently to combine the cream with the chicken and garlic.

Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer.

However, avoid a rapid boil.

Next, add the shredded mozzarella cheese in small handfuls.

Stir continuously until the cheese begins melting.

Then add the grated Parmesan.

Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

If the sauce looks too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta cooking water.

The starchy water helps loosen the sauce while maintaining a silky consistency.

Next, add the cooked penne and broccoli.

Use a large spoon or tongs to toss everything together.

Make sure the sauce coats the pasta, chicken, and vegetables evenly.

Continue heating over low heat for approximately one to two minutes.

This allows the flavors to blend.

Next, taste the sauce.

Add salt and black pepper as needed.

For a little heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes.

If you enjoy extra cheese, add a small amount of Parmesan just before serving.

Finally, transfer the creamy pasta into serving bowls.

Serve immediately while the mozzarella sauce remains warm and smooth.

Helpful Tips, Delicious Variations, and Storage Ideas

Simple Secrets for Juicy Chicken and a Silky Cheese Sauce

A few simple techniques can make Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella even more delicious.

First, cook the pasta until al dente.

Because the pasta continues warming in the sauce, slightly firm penne holds its texture better.

Next, avoid overcooking the broccoli.

Broccoli that cooks too long can become soft and lose its vibrant color.

For the best results, add the florets during the final two to three minutes of pasta cooking.

Another important tip involves the chicken.

Cut the pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Then cook them until they reach 165°F.

Avoid leaving the chicken over high heat longer than necessary.

Overcooked chicken can become dry.

For the sauce, use gentle heat.

Mozzarella and Parmesan melt best when you add them gradually to warm cream.

High heat can cause the cheese to clump or separate.

Therefore, reduce the heat before adding the cheese.

Another helpful technique involves reserving pasta water.

If the sauce thickens too much, add a little pasta water and stir.

This helps create a smoother consistency.

Finally, serve the pasta immediately.

Cream-based sauces naturally thicken as they cool.

For the creamiest texture, enjoy the dish while it remains hot.

Delicious Variations, Make-Ahead Tips, and Leftover Storage

Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella offers plenty of customization options.

For a spicy version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

You can also stir in a little Cajun seasoning for a bolder flavor.

For extra vegetables, add sliced mushrooms.

Sauté the mushrooms before cooking the chicken or cook them separately.

Fresh spinach also works beautifully.

Simply stir it into the warm sauce until the leaves wilt.

If you enjoy roasted vegetables, add roasted red peppers or zucchini.

For a different protein, substitute cooked shrimp.

However, cook shrimp until opaque and firm, and avoid overcooking.

Another option involves using leftover rotisserie chicken.

Add the cooked chicken when preparing the cream sauce and heat it thoroughly.

This can reduce the cooking time.

For a lighter variation, you can experiment with half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

However, the sauce will be thinner and may require careful heating to prevent separation.

For make-ahead preparation, cook the pasta and chicken separately.

Then prepare the sauce closer to serving time.

This helps maintain the best texture.

After serving, refrigerate leftovers within two hours.

Store them in an airtight container for three to four days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream.

Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently, until the chicken and pasta reach 165°F.

You can also use the microwave in short intervals.

Freezing is possible, but the cream sauce may separate after thawing.

Therefore, refrigeration offers the best results for short-term storage.

Ingredients

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes

• 8 ounces dry penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

2. Cook the broccoli. During the final 2–3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.

3. Prepare the chicken. Pat the diced chicken breast dry with paper towels. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

4. Cook the chicken. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and the thickest pieces reach 165°F (74°C).

5. Add the garlic. Stir the minced garlic into the skillet and cook for approximately 1 minute until fragrant.

6. Prepare the cream sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

7. Melt the cheese. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Add a little reserved pasta water if necessary.

8. Combine everything. Add the cooked penne and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently until the chicken, pasta, and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce.

9. Season the pasta. Add the salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

10. Serve immediately. Divide the creamy chicken penne among four bowls. Add extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli?

Yes. Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Cook it according to the package instructions, then drain thoroughly before adding it to the pasta. Avoid overcooking because frozen broccoli can soften more quickly than fresh florets.

2. What is the best cheese for creamy chicken penne?

Low-moisture mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan create an excellent combination. Mozzarella adds a mild, creamy texture, while Parmesan contributes a richer, savory flavor. For the smoothest sauce, add both cheeses gradually over gentle heat.

3. Can I make Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella ahead of time?

Yes. However, the sauce tastes best immediately after preparation. For make-ahead cooking, prepare the chicken and pasta separately, then combine everything with freshly prepared cream sauce before serving.

4. How do I keep the mozzarella sauce from becoming stringy or clumpy?

Reduce the heat before adding the cheese. Use low-moisture mozzarella, shred it finely, and add it gradually while stirring. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese. A little reserved pasta water can also help loosen the texture.

5. How long does leftover creamy chicken pasta last in the refrigerator?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at 40°F or below for three to four days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream until the center reaches 165°F. Stir occasionally to help the sauce regain a creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Mozzarella combines tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich mozzarella-Parmesan cream sauce into one satisfying family dinner.

The garlic adds savory flavor, while the broccoli provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheese sauce.

Meanwhile, the penne pasta holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite tastes rich and comforting.

This easy recipe takes approximately 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

Additionally, you can customize the dish with mushrooms, spinach, red pepper flakes, or leftover cooked chicken.

For the best results, cook the pasta until al dente, keep the broccoli slightly tender-crisp, and avoid overcooking the chicken.

Then prepare the cheese sauce over gentle heat and stir until smooth.

Finally, toss everything together and serve immediately.

Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or looking for a comforting pasta meal with simple ingredients, this creamy chicken penne recipe delivers delicious flavor, satisfying texture, and easy homemade goodness.