Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken pieces bathed in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce with a hint of herbs, served over al dente penne for a restaurant-quality meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, boneless and skinless chicken breasts, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Season 1 lb cubed chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer and stirring until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3 minutes).
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 tsp dried oregano and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, cooking for 1 minute until melted and combined.
  6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the drained penne, tossing to coat evenly; cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
  7. Step 7: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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