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Quick Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne

creamy sun-dried tomato chicken penne - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy sun-dried tomato chicken penne recipe perfect for weeknights, combining tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious sauce that wraps around the pasta for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces penne pasta (regular or whole wheat)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano and basil)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and remaining 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
  6. Return cooked chicken to skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Add drained penne pasta and mix gently. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let pasta soak up sauce.
  7. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce starts to separate or looks oily, whisk off heat to smooth it out. Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to avoid drying out. Add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: sun-dried tomato chicken penne, creamy pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy chicken recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/quick-creamy-sun-dried-tomato-chicken-penne-recipe-perfect-for-weeknights/