Save to Pinterest Experience the comforting harmony of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all blended in a luscious garlicky cream sauce. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is an ideal choice whether you're craving a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering with friends. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Save to Pinterest This dish brings together simple ingredients with maximum flavor impact. The sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add a subtle sweet tang, while the heavy cream creates a velvety texture that clings deliciously to the penne. Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese to elevate the presentation and taste.
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
- 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.
- 2. While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- 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.
- 4. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet.
- Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- 6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
- 7. Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
- 8. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- 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.
- 10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Sie können dieses Gericht mit geräuchertem Hähnchen zubereiten, um einen noch intensiveren Geschmack zu erzielen. Außerdem lässt sich optional eine Handvoll frischer Babyspinat hinzufügen, wenn Sie die Hähnchenstücke zurück in die Sauce geben (Schritt 8).
Varianten und Anpassungen
Für Abwechslung kann das Penne durch andere Nudelsorten wie Fusilli oder Rigatoni ersetzt werden. So erhalten Sie eine unterschiedliche Textur und sorgen für Abwechslung am Esstisch.
Serviervorschläge
Dieses Gericht passt hervorragend zu einem frischen Pinot Grigio oder Sauvignon Blanc, die mit ihrer Leichtigkeit den reichhaltigen Geschmack der Sauce wunderbar ausbalancieren.
Save to Pinterest With its blend of vibrant colors, rich creaminess, and aromatic herbs, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It's a comforting yet elegant dish that is straightforward to prepare and satisfying to eat. Enjoy every bite!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use other pasta types?
Yes, fusilli or rigatoni work well as alternatives to penne, holding the sauce nicely.
- → How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Cook chicken strips until golden and just cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, to keep them juicy.
- → What if I don't have sun-dried tomato oil?
Use olive oil instead to sauté the garlic and tomatoes for flavor.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms can be added for extra texture and nutrition.
- → How do I adjust sauce thickness?
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.