Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a well-made pasta. One of the most beloved choices is Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavors that bring people together around the dinner table. With tender chicken pieces, crisp-tender broccoli, penne pasta that perfectly holds the sauce, and a velvety Alfredo sauce, this recipe creates a meal that’s indulgent while still feeling wholesome.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet comforting, or for weekends when you want to impress your family with a homemade feast. Best of all, it’s a flexible recipe—you can adjust the sauce, the protein, and the vegetables to fit your taste.

In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo: from its origins and step-by-step cooking process to helpful tips, variations, and serving ideas. Let’s dive into this creamy classic.

The Story Behind Alfredo Pasta

Before exploring the recipe, it’s worth knowing where this famous sauce comes from. Alfredo sauce has Italian roots, originally created in Rome by Alfredo di Lelio in the early 20th century. The authentic version was much simpler than what we see today—made only with butter, Parmesan cheese, and pasta. Over time, especially in America, Alfredo evolved into a creamier sauce enriched with heavy cream, garlic, and additional cheeses.

Pairing Alfredo sauce with chicken and broccoli was a later development, adding protein and vegetables to make the dish heartier and more balanced. The result is a wholesome one-pot meal that satisfies both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo

Comfort in a bowl – The combination of creamy sauce, pasta, and tender chicken delivers pure comfort.
Balanced meal – With protein, carbs, and veggies, this dish is a complete dinner in one.
Crowd-pleaser – Great for families, dinner parties, or even meal prep for the week.
Quick and easy – From start to finish, you can have it ready in under 40 minutes.
Customizable – You can swap the pasta shape, use different vegetables, or adjust the creaminess of the sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo, gather these simple ingredients:

Pasta: Penne works wonderfully because its ridges hold onto the sauce, but you can also use fettuccine, rotini, or rigatoni.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They cook quickly and stay tender.
Broccoli: Fresh florets are preferred for crispness, but frozen broccoli can be used if that’s what you have.
Butter: Provides richness and is a key component of Alfredo sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives depth and aroma.
Heavy cream: The foundation of the sauce, ensuring creaminess.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Mozzarella (optional): For extra creaminess and stretch.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm undertone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, which you can use to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil or butter. Cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Blanch the Broccoli

While the pasta cooks, blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, and whisk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

5. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli into the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

6. Serve

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it slightly firm so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-shredded versions don’t melt as well.
Balance the sauce – If it feels too rich, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
Cook broccoli lightly – Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its vibrant color.

Delicious Variations

This recipe is already amazing, but here are ways to switch it up:

Spicy Alfredo: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté mushrooms with garlic before adding cream for an earthy twist.
Seafood Alfredo: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a luxurious version.
Whole grain or gluten-free: Use whole wheat penne or gluten-free pasta to fit your dietary needs.
Extra veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, or peas make great additions.

What to Serve With Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with simple sides makes it even better:

Garlic bread or focaccia: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Side salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted vegetables: Add more variety and nutrition to the meal.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency. Freezing is possible, but the sauce may separate slightly after thawing.

Healthier Alternatives

Want to enjoy this dish with a lighter touch? Try these swaps:

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Replace some pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.
Reduce cheese slightly and add nutritional yeast for flavor.
Use grilled chicken breast instead of pan-fried for fewer calories.

Why This Dish Works So Well

Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo is all about balance. The creaminess of the Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with the hearty pasta, while the chicken adds protein to keep you full. Broccoli introduces freshness and color, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy. It’s a complete meal that’s indulgent but not overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s a family favorite, a dinner-party showstopper, and a reliable go-to when you crave something comforting yet satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this restaurant-quality pasta at home anytime.

Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a special occasion, this creamy pasta recipe guarantees smiles around the table. The next time you’re looking for a dish that combines richness, freshness, and heartiness, this Chicken and Broccoli Penne Alfredo should be your first choice.