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Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Penne Alfredo recipe photo

Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Penne Alfredo

This Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Penne Alfredo is creamy, comforting, and bursting with smoky, savory flavors - perfect for an easy weeknight or impressing guests!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken, Comforting, Creamy, Easy, Quick
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken breast diced
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then stir in the chopped roasted red peppers.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it warm gently for 2-3 minutes. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Transfer the Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Penne Alfredo to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbal finish. Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef’s knife
  • Grater
  • Colander

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.