Looking for a creamy and delicious chicken pasta recipe? Try this Chicken and Vegetable Penne Alfredo, a perfect comfort food dish packed with tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich Alfredo sauce. Made with penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, this easy-to-make pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. You can even add a spicy kick with sweet chili sauce for extra flavor! Ready in just 30 minutes, this Chicken Alfredo recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, savory, and satisfying flavors. Try it today and enjoy a family-friendly meal everyone will love!

Ingredients:
- 3/4 lb penne pasta, boiled according to package instructions with 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 sweet bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 to 3/4 lb button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 Tbsp butter + 1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (for vegetables)
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
- Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning (such as garlic powder or Mrs. Dash) for the chicken
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
- Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions, adding 1/2 Tbsp salt to the water. Drain the pasta and toss it with 1 1/2 Tbsp butter to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your preferred seasoning (such as Mrs. Dash or garlic powder). Grill or sauté the chicken until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it against the grain.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell pepper, mushrooms, and diced onion. Sauté for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked pasta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sliced chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (if using), and 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
- Return the pan to the heat and stir occasionally until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted. Continue heating until everything is thoroughly combined and warmed through.
- Serve and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Chicken and Vegetable Penne Alfredo!
Tips
- To prevent the pasta from sticking, make sure to toss it with butter right after draining.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juiciness.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste—add more garlic powder or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with tofu or more vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free penne pasta for a gluten-free alternative.
- Cheese: Swap Parmesan with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different flavor.
- Spicy kick: Increase the amount of sweet chili sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to make the dish spicier.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other pasta types?
A: Yes, any pasta such as fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle would work well in this recipe.
Q: How can I make this dish lighter?
A: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare everything up to the point of mixing in the cream. Store the cooked pasta, chicken, and vegetables separately, and then combine them with the cream and cheese just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a light white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce.
- For a special touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken and Vegetable Penne Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful chicken and vegetables. The rich Alfredo sauce, combined with tender pasta and savory ingredients, makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s quick to make and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences!
Chicken and Vegetable Penne Alfredo
6 -8
servings15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
3/4 lb penne pasta, boiled according to package instructions with 1/2 Tbsp salt
1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 sweet bell pepper, sliced
1/2 to 3/4 lb button mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 Tbsp butter + 1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp salt (for vegetables)
1 lb chicken breast or thighs
Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning (such as garlic powder or Mrs. Dash) for the chicken
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped
2 cups heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
Directions
- Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions, adding 1/2 Tbsp salt to the water. Drain the pasta and toss it with 1 1/2 Tbsp butter to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your preferred seasoning (such as Mrs. Dash or garlic powder). Grill or sauté the chicken until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it against the grain.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell pepper, mushrooms, and diced onion. Sauté for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked pasta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sliced chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (if using), and 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
- Return the pan to the heat and stir occasionally until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted. Continue heating until everything is thoroughly combined and warmed through.
- Serve and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Chicken and Vegetable Penne Alfredo!
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