Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken (Printable)

Juicy chicken and penne in a luscious cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne pasta

→ Chicken

02 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), cut into bite-sized strips
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
04 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
05 - 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs

→ Sauce

06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, sliced
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/4 cup chicken broth
11 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

14 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
15 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese

# How to Prepare:

01 - 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.
02 - While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
03 - 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.
04 - Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
05 - Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
06 - Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. 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. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sauce is velvety and cheese-infused for maximum indulgence.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes provide a vibrant, tangy contrast to the savory garlic cream.
  • It comes together in just 40 minutes using simple pantry staples.
02 -
  • Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for sautéing the chicken and garlic for an extra layer of tomato essence.
  • Grate your Parmesan fresh from the block for a smoother melt and better flavor than pre-shredded options.
  • Always cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
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