Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the ultimate Italian-American comfort dish. Juicy chicken strips and al dente penne are enveloped in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual meal with friends.

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Combining savory seasoned chicken with the bright, concentrated punch of sun-dried tomatoes, this meal offers restaurant-quality flavors from the comfort of your own home. The heavy cream and melted Parmesan create a luscious texture that perfectly coats every piece of penne.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta
• Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g / 14 oz), cut into bite-sized strips
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs
• Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil (use oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar if available)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 100 g (3.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), sliced
• 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) chicken broth
• 40 g (1/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4

Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

Step 6

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the pan.

Step 7

Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 8

Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Step 9

Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a silky sauce, bring the heavy cream and chicken broth to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Scraping the browned bits from the pan after adding the liquid incorporates essential flavor into the base of the sauce. Don't forget to save that pasta water, as its starch content is the secret to getting the perfect consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly versatile; you can easily substitute penne with fusilli or rigatoni. For a smokier profile, try using smoked chicken instead of standard breasts. To add a bit of color and nutrition, toss in a handful of fresh baby spinach during the final step when you return the chicken to the skillet.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish piping hot for the best experience. A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the cream sauce beautifully. Garnish generously with fresh basil and extra Parmesan right before serving to elevate the presentation.

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With its vibrant colors and deep flavors, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a reliable favorite that never fails to impress. Enjoy every forkful of this hearty and delicious meal!

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Fresh tomatoes won't provide the same intense flavor concentration. Sun-dried tomatoes add essential sweetness and depth. If needed, use tomato paste combined with fresh tomatoes, though the flavor profile will change.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Penne, fusilli, and rigatoni are excellent choices because their ridges and tubes capture the creamy sauce effectively. Short pasta with texture works better than smooth varieties like spaghetti.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce's consistency. The pasta may absorb more liquid overnight.

→ Can I make this lighter?

Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though the sauce will be thinner. Increase the Parmesan slightly to help thicken. You can also use more chicken and vegetables to increase the protein-to-pasta ratio.

→ What wines pair well with this dish?

Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy sauce beautifully. Their acidity cuts through the richness while refreshing the palate between bites.

→ Can I prepare components in advance?

You can season and cut the chicken ahead of time. The sauce base can be prepared a few hours early and reheated. However, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving for the best texture.