Creamy, cozy and incredibly easy, this Chicken Alfredo Penne is the kind of dinner that makes a busy weeknight feel a little more special. Tender chicken, penne pasta and fresh broccoli are tossed together in a simple homemade Alfredo sauce made with garlic, cream and Parmesan.

Everything comes together quickly with basic ingredients, and the broccoli cooks right along with the pasta to keep cleanup easy. Add a little extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper before serving, and dinner is done!

Serve it with warm garlic bread or a simple side salad for an easy family dinner everyone will love. ❤️

Serves 4–6

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed

Instructions

1. Cook penne according to package directions. Add broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Meanwhile, season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet and add garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds.
5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
6. Add the chicken, penne and broccoli to the skillet. Toss until everything is coated in Alfredo sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.

Easy tip: The Alfredo sauce thickens as it sits, so keep a little pasta water handy to make it creamy again right before serving.