I have to tell you, making this Sun Dried Tomato Penne Pasta Recipe was an absolute game-changer for me. I love creamy pasta dishes, but this one hits all the right notes—rich, tangy, and satisfying.

The sun-dried tomatoes add a unique depth of flavor that makes every bite feel gourmet. I honestly didn’t expect it to come together so quickly, but it did! After trying this recipe, I also tried the 4 Ingredient Orange Salmon Recipe and found it just as quick and flavorful, which made me excited to explore more simple dishes.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy, flavorful penne pasta. I’ve added tips from my experience so your dish turns out perfect.

12 oz penne pasta – I like using semolina penne for its firm texture that holds sauce well.
2 tbsp olive oil – Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast – Cut into cubes for even cooking and tender bites.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives a fragrant, sharp flavor; skip pre-minced.
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Packed in oil is best; it gives a richer taste than dry ones.
1 cup heavy cream – Creates that luscious, creamy sauce that clings to pasta.
½ cup chicken broth – Adds flavor depth and balances the creaminess.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Always grate fresh; it melts better and tastes superior.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs adds a classic Italian aroma.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Enhances flavors naturally; I usually start with ½ tsp each.
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish – Adds a bright, fresh flavor at the end.

Note: several servings

Variations

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to make tweaks:

Use gluten-free penne if you’re avoiding gluten.
Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra veggies.
For more flavor, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a protein change. You might also enjoy the comforting flavors of Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe as a warm, hearty alternative.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long everything will take:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Making this recipe is simple, but having the right tools helps:

Large pot – for boiling pasta evenly.
Skillet or large sauté pan – for cooking chicken and sauce in one pan.
Wooden spoon – perfect for stirring without scratching your pan.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient quantities.
Knife and cutting board – for chopping tomatoes, chicken, and garlic.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Penne Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling water with a pinch of salt. Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing gently to coat evenly. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve hot, straight from the pan for the best presentation.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, these tweaks make a big difference:

I always taste the sauce before adding the pasta; sometimes it needs a pinch more salt.
Letting the sauce simmer a bit longer thickens it beautifully.
Use a nonstick pan to avoid sticking, especially when using high-fat ingredients like cream.
For a tangy twist, I occasionally add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar—it brightens the flavors.
Don’t overcook the chicken; slightly undercooked will continue to cook in the sauce.

How to Serve Sun Dried Tomato Penne Pasta Recipe

Serving this pasta is all about the visuals and pairing:

Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce.
Garnish with torn fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan for color contrast.
Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad to make it a complete meal.
Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the top for a glossy finish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting per serving:

Calories: 520 kcal – perfect for a hearty dinner.
Protein: 32 g – thanks to the chicken and cheese.
Carbohydrates: 45 g – mainly from the pasta.
Fat: 25 g – from cream, cheese, and olive oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

You can keep this pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I always cool it slightly before refrigerating to preserve texture.

Freezing

It freezes well, but the cream may slightly separate. I recommend freezing before adding fresh basil, in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to creamy perfection. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the sauce from breaking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this pasta has become my go-to comfort dish:

Easy to prepare – I can make it in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Versatile – Swap proteins or veggies to suit your taste.
Creamy and flavorful – The sun-dried tomatoes make the sauce rich and tangy.
Great for meal prep – It reheats well for lunches or dinners during the week.
Customizable – I can adjust seasoning or spice levels to match my mood.