Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Chicken Pasta
Creamy pasta with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, finished with a whisper of garlic and lemon zest. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs penne pasta, boneless chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes in oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 12 oz boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a cutting board.
- Step 2: While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 3: Thinly slice the rested chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add sun-dried tomatoes with their oil and cook for 1 minute until warmed through. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Add drained penne to the skillet, tossing to coat. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and toss until sauce clings to pasta. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil and lemon zest, then add sliced chicken and toss gently to combine.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Chicken Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
