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

Tips for success

To maximize flavor, season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper before searing. This simple step ensures the seasoning penetrates the meat rather than just sitting on the surface.

If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. This adds a subtle warmth that complements the richness of the cheese sauce without overpowering the fresh vegetables.

Always serve this dish immediately. Cream-based sauces tend to thicken significantly as they cool because the pasta continues to absorb the liquid.

If you are serving this for a dinner party, have all components prepped and ready to go so that the final assembly takes place right before you sit down to eat. This ensures the best possible texture and flavor for every guest at the table.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Penne: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet when sautéing the garlic. This infuses the sauce with a gentle heat that cuts through the creaminess, offering a more robust flavor profile.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Version: Stir in a quarter-cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes when adding the broccoli. They provide a sweet, concentrated tomato flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the garlic and cheese.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is cooled to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate and the texture of the vegetables and pasta will change significantly upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, try to keep the pasta and sauce mixture as flat as possible to allow for even cooling. Ensure the dish has cooled to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing it in the refrigerator to maintain food safety standards and preserve the quality of the creamy sauce.

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Sear the chicken and store it in the refrigerator. Blanch the broccoli and chop the peppers.

However, it is highly recommended to prepare the sauce and toss it with the pasta and chicken just before serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft and ensures the sauce retains its desired consistency and creamy texture.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy chicken penne in warm, wide-rimmed pasta bowls. This helps keep the dish hot for longer and presents the vibrant colors of the broccoli and red peppers beautifully. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a perfect accompaniment, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the creamy garlic sauce and the tender pasta.

For a final touch, you can garnish each serving with a light sprinkle of freshly grated cheese or a pinch of chopped fresh parsley. These additions provide a subtle freshness and a pop of color that elevates the presentation.

Serve with a large spoon and fork to allow guests to easily portion out the pasta, chicken, and vegetables, ensuring everyone gets a balanced serving of all the delicious components.

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 chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cheese sauce

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and diced red bell peppers. Sauté until tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the cheese sauce and bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
3. Add the cooked penne pasta and the seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy garlic cheese sauce. Serve immediately while warm.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

580

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

50 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

480 mg

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