This rich and comforting pasta dish brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a velvety cream sauce that coats every piece of penne. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers creamy, satisfying pasta without being complicated. It uses simple, wholesome ingredients, cooks quickly, and offers a balanced mix of protein, veggies, and comforting carbs. The combination of chicken, broccoli, and red peppers adds color, nutrition, and freshness to each bite, while the sauce brings restaurant-level richness you can make at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional: red pepper flakes to add heat

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the garlic, red bell pepper, and broccoli. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the penne pasta. Toss well until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Serve warm, with additional Parmesan or herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: about 10 minutes
Cook time: about 20 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes

Variations

• Replace broccoli with spinach, asparagus, or zucchini for a different vegetable profile.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness and tang.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
• Make the dish gluten-free by substituting gluten-free penne.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You may also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one.

FAQs

How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add a small splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw it first and pat dry to prevent adding extra moisture to the sauce.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Turkey, shrimp, or tofu work well in this dish.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare it in advance, but the sauce thickens as it cools. Reheat with extra broth to restore creaminess.

What other pasta shapes work for this recipe?

Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle all hold the sauce well.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Avoid overcooking and sear it on medium-high heat until just cooked through.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms, peas, or spinach make great additions.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, add it during the final mixing step and heat through gently.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Creamy Chicken Penne with Broccoli & Red Peppers is a flavorful, family-friendly meal that blends comfort and nutrition in every serving. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

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