Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne

If you’re craving a comforting, luscious pasta dish that bursts with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes, look no further than this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne. Imagine tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, mingling with garlic and sweet sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, velvety cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. This recipe is inspired by classic Italian flavors but with a creamy twist that will have you reaching for seconds. Plus, it’s easy enough to customize based on what you have on hand.

Why This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne Stands Out

What makes this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne a standout is the balance of bold, savory ingredients and the silky texture of the sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated burst of sweetness and tang that cuts through the richness of the heavy cream and Parmesan. Meanwhile, the garlic and Italian seasoning elevate the dish with an aromatic, herby depth. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps the protein lean yet tender, while the penne pasta holds onto every bit of sauce thanks to its ridged surface and tubular shape. This recipe manages to feel both special and approachable, making it a go-to weeknight winner or a crowd-pleaser for guests.

Ingredient List

• 8 oz penne pasta – the perfect pasta shape for holding creamy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the chicken and sautéing garlic
• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless – sliced or pounded thin for even cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste – essential for seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – adds fragrant depth
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped – the star ingredient
• 1 cup heavy cream – creates a rich, silky sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs to enhance flavor
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds sharpness and umami
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish – for a fresh, herbal finish

Gear Checklist

• Large pot – for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan – to cook the chicken and make the sauce
• Colander – to drain the pasta
• Knife and cutting board – for chopping garlic, tomatoes, and slicing chicken
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts
• Tongs or slotted spoon – to toss pasta with sauce

Step-by-Step: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften them and infuse the oil with flavor.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Incorporate Parmesan and Chicken

Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together over low heat. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated with that luscious creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and brightness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Dietary Customizations

• Lower fat: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan to 1/4 cup.
• Dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Gluten-free: Replace penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Extra veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers sautéed with garlic for more color and nutrients.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

• Overcooking the chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, avoid cooking it too long. Use medium-high heat and check internal temperature or slice to test doneness.
• Sauce too thin: Let it simmer a little longer to thicken, or add more Parmesan cheese to help it thicken naturally.
• Sauce too thick: Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce gradually and achieve the perfect consistency.
• Pasta sticking together: Make sure to toss pasta immediately with sauce, and do not rinse the pasta after draining to keep the starches intact.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to help loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or microwave to avoid curdling. You can also prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then cook the pasta fresh and combine just before serving for the best texture.

Top Questions & Answers

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes packed in water instead of oil?

Yes! If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes packed in water, drain them well and consider adding a bit of olive oil when sautéing to help release their flavor. The oil-packed ones tend to have a richer taste, but water-packed work just fine.

Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or stir in a spoonful of harissa or chili paste to the cream sauce. Fresh chopped jalapeños could work too!

Can I substitute the penne pasta with another shape?

Yes, feel free to swap penne with rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just keep in mind that the sauce clings best to ridged or tubular pasta shapes.

Healthy-ish Favorites

• Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet – a one-pan meal featuring similar bold flavors.
• Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta – another creamy pasta dish perfect for weeknights.
• Bread Bowl Chicken Alfredo – a fun, indulgent twist on creamy chicken pasta served in an edible bread bowl.

The Takeaway

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated by rich, comforting flavors and effortless technique. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together quickly, making it a winner for busy nights or whenever you want a little extra indulgence. The combination of tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and silky cream sauce with Parmesan creates a harmonious dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it to your taste, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease, inviting you to savor every creamy bite.

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