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

Tips for success

To ensure the best flavor, always grate your cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags. This ensures a smoother sauce and a much more authentic taste.

If you are preparing this for a larger group, you can double the recipe, provided you use a very large wide-bottomed pan to ensure all the pasta gets coated properly.

Always serve the dish immediately after the resting period to enjoy the optimal texture of the sauce. If the pasta sits for too long, it will continue to absorb the sauce, making the dish seem drier.

Ensure you are using a large enough skillet to accommodate all ingredients comfortably, which allows for even heating and easier tossing.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Penne: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the pan while sautéing the vegetables. This adds a subtle, warming heat that complements the richness of the cheese sauce perfectly.
• Mushroom and Chicken Penne: Include sliced mushrooms during the vegetable sautéing phase. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms adds a wonderful depth that pairs beautifully with the chicken and cheese.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to reach the desired consistency.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When storing, try to keep the pasta and sauce in one container to prevent the sauce from separating during the cooling process.

Ensure the dish has cooled completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before placing it in the refrigerator to maintain food safety and quality.

You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The sauce is best made fresh just before serving, as it can thicken significantly when cooled.

If you choose to make the sauce ahead of time, you may need to add a small amount of liquid or pasta water when reheating to restore its original creamy consistency.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy chicken penne immediately while it is hot and the sauce is at its peak consistency. A simple side of warm bread or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes an excellent accompaniment, balancing the richness of the creamy pasta with fresh, vibrant flavors.

For an elegant presentation, garnish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a little extra grated cheese. This adds a touch of brightness and freshness to the dish, making it look as good as it tastes. Ensure every portion has a good mix of chicken, broccoli, and pasta for a balanced bite.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli and Peppers

Prep 15 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 40 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups broccoli
• 1 cup peppers, chopped
• 1 cup cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Cook the bite-sized pieces of chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the broccoli and chopped peppers. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp, then remove them from the pan.
2. Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the cheese and allow it to melt into a smooth, thick, and velvety consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency to your preference.
3. While preparing the sauce, cook the penne in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the cooking water. Add the cooked penne, the sautéed chicken, and the broccoli and pepper mixture back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and the pasta is thoroughly coated. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

620

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

52 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

450 mg

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