Creamy Chicken Penne (Printer-Friendly)
Penne and chicken come together with parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs in a luscious creamy sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Pasta
01 -
1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
10 ounces penne pasta
03 -
0.5 teaspoon salt
04 -
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
05 -
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
→ Sauce
06 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 -
2 teaspoons minced garlic
08 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 -
2 cups chicken broth
10 -
1 cup heavy cream
11 -
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 -
1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
13 -
1 teaspoon paprika
14 -
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
15 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
16 -
Fresh chopped basil
17 -
Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Prepare penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 -
Season chicken pieces evenly with salt and black pepper.
03 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
04 -
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook while stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux.
05 -
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and lump-free. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
06 -
Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly with sauce. Warm over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
07 -
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top and add extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly drained to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
02 -
If sauce becomes too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water or additional chicken broth.
03 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a small splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.