Your family is going to love this delicious chicken pasta!
If you want a weeknight dinner that feels special but is easy to make, this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta delivers. Tender sautéed chicken and a silky cream sauce flavored with garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes are tossed with penne for a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy. It comes together quickly and uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—perfect for busy evenings when you want something impressive without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
This one-pan-style sauce is rich and adaptable. Serve the pasta on its own for a cozy weeknight meal or pair it with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a fuller spread. Leftovers reheat well and make a satisfying lunch the next day.
The secret to elevating any pasta is the sauce. Here, the combination of chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a savory, slightly tangy sauce that clings beautifully to the penne. You can use this sauce with many pasta shapes or leave out the chicken to serve it as a flavorful side.
Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat and extra grated Parmesan if you like. Fresh herbs such as basil or a handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end brighten the dish and add color.
Suggested additions: basil, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, or mushrooms—add whatever vegetables are in season or on hand.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Delicious, easy to make, and kid-friendly. This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta tastes like a restaurant dish but is simple enough for busy weeknights.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Servings: 6
Course: Main Course | Keywords: chicken dinner idea, comfort food, family meals, kid friendly, pasta recipes
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, stirring for another minute to combine flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan, cooking 3–4 minutes until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return the cooked chicken and the drained penne to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Vegetable additions like basil, spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms work well—add them toward the end of cooking so they stay vibrant.
- Side ideas: a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread complement this pasta nicely.
- To make this vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Don’t forget to pin and save this yummy dinner recipe for later! 🙂
