Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s the perfect recipe for easy dinner recipes, quick weeknight meals, and family dinner ideas. Ready in about 30 minutes, this restaurant-quality pasta is rich, satisfying, and simple enough for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with tender chicken.
- Simple ingredients available at any grocery store.
- Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining.
- Beginner-friendly with restaurant-quality results.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 300 g penne pasta
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Penne
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce if needed.
2. Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This flavorful base is perfect for holiday entertaining.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until coated in the sauce. Add the cooked penne and gently toss until every piece is covered in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If necessary, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. This hearty pasta is also great for meal prep and makes a budget-friendly weeknight dinner.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot, creamy, and perfectly coating the pasta.
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Pro Tips & Variations
For the creamiest sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, which doesn’t melt as smoothly. Cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to keep it juicy and tender.
For healthy substitutions, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or replace regular penne with whole wheat or high-protein pasta. Adding fresh spinach, broccoli, or zucchini increases both color and nutrition. If you’re looking for budget-friendly tips, boneless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to chicken breasts and remain especially juicy.
For meal prep ideas, prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it separately for up to three days. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta. This recipe is perfect for cooking for beginners because it uses simple techniques while delivering restaurant-style flavor. For extra heat, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce can be made in advance and reheated gently before combining it with freshly cooked pasta.
What can I substitute for chicken?
Shrimp, grilled turkey, sliced sausage, or sautéed mushrooms make excellent substitutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats very well and makes an excellent lunch or quick dinner throughout the week.
Can beginners make this recipe?
Yes. The straightforward instructions and simple ingredients make this recipe suitable for cooks of every skill level.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 710 |
| Protein | 39 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Fat | 40 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes alongside warm garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or grilled vegetables. It’s an excellent choice for holiday dinners, family gatherings, cozy date nights, or a satisfying restaurant-style meal at home.
Conclusion
Tender chicken, savory mushrooms, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce make this Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne an unforgettable comfort food favorite. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough to impress guests at any occasion. Looking for the perfect dessert to go with this? Sweet in 30 has you covered →