Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Peppers Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve the perfect texture for the vegetables, ensure they are cut into uniform sizes before cooking. This guarantees that the broccoli florets and red bell pepper strips reach the ideal tender-crisp stage at the exact same time.

Overcooked vegetables will become mushy and lose their vibrant colors, detracting from the visual appeal and texture of the completed dish.

If the sauce becomes too thick after adding the pasta, splash in a tablespoon or two of warm water or unsalted chicken broth to loosen it.

This quickly restores the velvety consistency without diluting the rich flavors of the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Always toss the pasta gently to avoid breaking the tender broccoli florets.

Variations

• Spicy Cajun Chicken Penne: Add a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the chicken while searing, and swap the parmesan for pepper jack cheese to give the dish a spicy, bold kick.
• Garlic Herb Pasta: Stir in minced garlic and fresh chopped basil or parsley along with the heavy cream to infuse the sauce with aromatic herbal notes.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the cream-based sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's smooth texture.

Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator.

Because the sauce contains dairy, it is important to chill the pasta promptly to maintain freshness and safety. Consume the refrigerated leftovers within three days for the best quality.

While pasta is best enjoyed fresh, the vegetables can be chopped and the chicken sliced up to 24 hours in advance. Store the prepared raw ingredients in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.

This preparation step significantly cuts down on active cooking time, making it incredibly easy to assemble the dish quickly on a busy weeknight.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy chicken penne hot, straight from the skillet, in shallow pasta bowls. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. The warmth of the freshly plated pasta will keep the rich cheese sauce velvety and smooth as it is carried to the table.

Pair this comforting pasta dish with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cream sauce. Warm, crusty garlic bread also makes an excellent accompaniment, perfect for scooping up any extra cheese sauce left on the plate. Keep the presentation simple and rustic.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Peppers

Prep 15 minCook 20 minTotal 35 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 8 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Add the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets directly to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Sauté the mixture over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are vibrant and tender-crisp.
3. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the chicken and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese gradually, allowing it to melt completely into a smooth, velvety sauce.
4. Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss all the ingredients together gently until the pasta, chicken, and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Let it heat through for 1 minute before removing from heat and serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

750

Protein

44 g

Carbohydrates

46 g

Fat

44 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

420 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.