Crazy Creamy Chicken Veggie Penne Pasta – Ultra Comfort in Every Bite

I absolutely love this Crazy Creamy Chicken Veggie Penne Pasta—it’s a comforeasy-to-make dish where tender chicken and fresh vegetables meet a velvety sauce that coats every penne. It’s cozy, colorful, and perfect for weeknight indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m drawn to how effortlessly this dish delivers hearty goodness: juicy chunks of chicken, crisp veggies, and a luscious cream sauce that feels indulgent but remains straightforward. It’s like getting takeout in under 30 minutes, but so much better—made from scratch with wholesome ingredients and no added extras.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Penne pasta
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
• Olive oil or butter
• Onion, diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Bell peppers (any color), sliced
• Broccoli florets or chopped zucchini
• Heavy cream or half‑and‑half
• Chicken broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Sundried tomato paste or chopped sun‑dried tomatoes (optional, for depth)
• Fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Italian seasoning or fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)

directions

1. I cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente; then I drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

2. I heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken cubes, season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until lightly golden and cooked through. I remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, I sauté onion, bell peppers, and broccoli (or zucchini) until tender‑crisp (3–4 minutes), then stir in garlic for about a minute.

4. I pour in chicken broth and cream, scrubbing up any brown bits from the bottom. I bring it to a gentle simmer and stir in Parmesan and tomato paste or chopped sun‑dried tomatoes.

5. I return the chicken to the pan, then stir in spinach or kale until wilted. I taste and adjust seasoning—adding salt, pepper, or extra broth/cream.

6. I toss in the cooked penne, mixing gently to ensure every piece is coated. If the sauce is too thick, I loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.

7. I finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter for shine, then garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 hearty servings.
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~18 minutes
Total time: ~28 minutes

Variations

• Protein switches: I swap chicken for shrimp, Italian sausage, or crispy tofu.

• Cheese upgrades: I mix in fontina, mozzarella, or goat cheese for a different creamy twist.

• Veggie variety: I add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

• Spice it up: I stir in red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha for a kick.

• Dairy-free option: I use coconut milk or oat cream and skip Parmesan or substitute a dairy-free cheese.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess and stir occasionally. I can also microwave individual servings—just add a drizzle of water and cover for even reheating.

FAQs

Can I use another pasta shape?

Absolutely! I’ve used rigatoni, fusilli, or cavatappi with great results—pick a short pasta that holds sauce well.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes—I’ll cook and store the chicken-veggie mixture, then reheat before adding freshly cooked pasta and a splash of cream.

Is it freezer-friendly?

I don’t recommend freezing the cream version—it may separate. Instead, I freeze the chicken-veg base separately and reheat with fresh cream and pasta when ready.

Can I lighten this recipe?

Sure—I substitute half the cream with Greek yogurt or use a lighter milk plus a bit of flour to thicken it, still yielding rich flavor.

How can I get extra veggies in?

I add chopped carrots, peas, or mushrooms along with the bell peppers, or stir broccoli florets in early to ensure tenderness.

Conclusion

Crazy Creamy Chicken Veggie Penne Pasta is one of my go-to comfort meals—I love how comforting yet customizable it is. With juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a dreamy sauce, it never fails to draw smiles and satiation. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for any night when I want something indulgent but homemade.