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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy pasta dish featuring smoky grilled chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce, perfect for comforting dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and sliced (leftover grilled chicken works perfectly)
  • 12 ounces (340 g) penne or your favorite pasta
  • 1/2 cup (about 80 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil; drain but keep some oil for cooking)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin, ideally the oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. If not using leftover grilled chicken, season 2 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Grill over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Let rest, then slice thinly.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown or burn.
  4. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, letting their flavor infuse the oil.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  7. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce along with sliced grilled chicken. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Add chopped fresh basil and stir gently to combine.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.

Notes

Keep an eye on the sauce when adding Parmesan to avoid clumping; low and slow heat is best. Let grilled chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, sun-dried tomato, grilled chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/creamy-sun-dried-tomato-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-perfect-dinner/