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A plate of creamy sun-dried tomato pasta with fresh basil and parmesan shavings on top.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

4.86 from 184 votes
Created by Mariam Ezzeddine
Hearty, flavorful, and rich, this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a sure hit for the family. Made in 30 minutes, this chicken penne pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner. Made with budget friendly ingredients, you'll be making this on repeat!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Pasta
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. penne pasta uncooked

Chicken

  • 2 tbsps. olive oil light tasting, searing the chicken
  • 1.5 lb. chicken tenderloins cubed into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. onion powder

The Sauce

  • cup heavy cream
  • cup chicken broth low sodium
  • ½ tsp. salt or more to taste
  • ¾ tsp. black pepper or less to taste
  • ½ tsp. onion powder
  • 7 oz. sun-dried tomatoes in jar, drained
  • 3 whole garlic cloves minced
  • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh basil chopped and packed
  • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper or chili flakes, optional

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain when ready to add into the sauce.
  • In a small bowl season chicken with the mixture of seasonings listed under chicken.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes and garlic and cook for a couple more minutes. Add the heavy cream, broth, cheese, salt, onion powder, black pepper and cayenne pepper if using any.
  • Mix and simmer the sauce on low heat for a few minutes until the sauce thickens up.
  • Stir in drained pasta and fresh basil. Cover and cook for a few more minutes on low heat until the pasta absorbs some of the sauce. Top with more chopped fresh basil and shaved parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • A time-saving tip is to heat the skillet with oil while you are mixing together the spices, thus reducing the time you are waiting for things to heat up. Also, start boiling the water for your pasta as you prep your ingredients so it's ready for your pasta once you're done chopping and dicing.
  • Make sure to cut your chicken in equal bite size pieces, so the pieces will be cooked evenly.
  • Use enough cold water so when the pasta begins to cook and expand, there will still be plenty of room for the noodles to move freely.
  • Make sure your pot is boiling before adding the pasta. Noodles that are added too soon will be soggy and not properly cooked. It’s best to set a timer so you don’t forget about it.
  • As soon as you put your pasta in the water make sure to stir it. This stops the pasta from sticking together.

Nutrition

Calories: 673kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 766mg | Potassium: 1777mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1449IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 239mg | Iron: 4mg
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