Tender Chicken Penne Pasta (Ready-to-Print Version)

Penne pasta and tender chicken in a creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.

# 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 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 grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
13 - 1 teaspoon paprika
14 - 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

16 - Fresh basil, chopped
17 - Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Prepare penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Evenly season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux.
05 - Gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until sauce slightly thickens.
06 - Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to skillet. Toss gently to coat with sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and optional Parmesan. Serve immediately.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained thoroughly for enhanced flavor. If sauce thickens too much, loosen with reserved pasta water or additional broth. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.