Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
Pasta
- 10 ounces penne pasta
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- fresh basil leaves, chopped
- additional parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the 10 ounces penne pasta as instructed on the package until al dente. Drain well and set aside while preparing the chicken and sauce.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch pieces, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper evenly.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour to form a smooth roux paste.
- Add Liquids and Cheese: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, then 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper seasoning as needed.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken and develop flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, followed by the cooked penne. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese over the dish before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy depth—drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- Can substitute penne pasta with other short pasta types like rigatoni or farfalle.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use less butter.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American