Description
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a deliciously rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces and sun dried tomatoes simmered in a creamy parmesan sauce, served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. This one-pot meal is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta (cooked and drained according to package instructions)
Chicken
- 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian blend seasoning (or Herbs de Provence)
- 3 ounces sun dried tomatoes packed in oil (drained and patted dry with a paper towel)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream or half and half
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce and chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the cut chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Sun Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning and sun dried tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes to release their flavor.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly for about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or half and half) and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Cook gently, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta!
Notes
- This dish is a creamy, comforting meal perfect for dinners al fresco or potluck gatherings.
- Using half and half instead of heavy cream can lighten the dish slightly.
- For best flavor, use sun dried tomatoes packed in oil and pat dry before using to avoid an overly oily sauce.
- Feel free to garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and freshness.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 428 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 529 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 54 mg
