Chicken Penne Pasta with Peppers

Description

Chicken Penne Pasta with Peppers is a colorful, hearty, and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Tender pieces of seasoned chicken are pan-seared until golden, then combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta, sweet bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a light, herb-infused sauce. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly textured pasta creates a balanced dish that’s both comforting and satisfying without feeling overly heavy.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices. The bell peppers add natural sweetness and a beautiful splash of color, while garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika provide rich Mediterranean-inspired flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley at the end gives the dish a delicious finishing touch.

Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or serving guests, this easy pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. Best of all, it comes together in less than 40 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
½ red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season it evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the red and yellow bell peppers and sauté for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and gently scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the butter and let it melt completely.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss gently until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper.

Tips

Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become soft after mixing.
Don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken to achieve a golden crust.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
For a creamier version, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream before adding the pasta.
Rotisserie chicken can be used for a quicker meal.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Benefits

This pasta dish provides lean protein from chicken to help support muscle growth and repair. Bell peppers are naturally rich in vitamins A and C, while onions and garlic contain antioxidants that contribute to overall health. Using olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and the balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates makes this a satisfying and complete meal.

Q&A

Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Rotini, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle all work well.

Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, although the pasta may soften slightly after thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 495
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 430 mg
Vitamin C: 95% DV
Calcium: 12% DV