Pin it Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. This luscious dish brings together juicy, seasoned chicken strips and the intense, sweet-tart flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, all held together by a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It is a sophisticated yet simple meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed evening with friends.
Pin it The beauty of this Italian-American classic lies in the balance of textures. The penne is cooked to al dente perfection, providing the perfect vessel for the velvety sauce, while the golden-seared chicken provides a satisfying protein boost. Each bite is a harmonious blend of aromatic garlic and Italian herbs, finished with a subtle kick of red pepper flakes.
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: Cook the Pasta
- 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: Season the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- 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: Aromatic Base
- Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add Tomatoes
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Step 6: Deglaze and Simmer
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
- Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
- 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: Combine Chicken
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Step 9: Toss with Pasta
- 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: Final Seasoning
- 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 the most flavorful results, use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar instead of regular olive oil when sautéing the chicken and garlic. When simmering the sauce, be sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet; those browned bits (fond) from the chicken are packed with concentrated flavor that will make your cream sauce even more delicious.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is very flexible. For a different twist, you can use smoked chicken for a deeper flavor profile or stir in a handful of fresh baby spinach during the final minutes of cooking for added nutrition. If you don't have penne on hand, other tubular or ridged pasta like fusilli or rigatoni work perfectly to catch the rich sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish while it is piping hot for the best texture. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any remaining garlicky cream sauce.
Pin it Whether you are making this for a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday night, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of simple ingredients and easy techniques makes it a reliable go-to for any home cook looking for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, fusilli and rigatoni work beautifully with this cream sauce. Any short pasta that holds sauce well is suitable. Avoid thin, delicate shapes like angel hair.
- → How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Avoid adding cold ingredients directly to hot cream, and stir frequently. If the sauce breaks, remove it from heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold broth.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Cook the components separately and store them in the refrigerator. Combine everything just before serving and warm gently. This prevents the pasta from absorbing excess sauce and becoming mushy.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the rich cream sauce and sun-dried tomatoes perfectly. The acidity balances the richness of the dish.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Spinach, mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini integrate well. Add leafy greens in the final minutes to prevent overcooking, or sauté heartier vegetables before adding the cream.
- → Is there a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut cream or cashew cream can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free version. Adjust quantities slightly as dairy alternatives may have different thickening properties.