Description

“Creamy Tuscan Chicken Penne
”

Ingredients

300g penne pasta

2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips

2 tbsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried thyme

Salt & black pepper to taste

Fresh sage leaves or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the penne in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Add Parmesan cheese, basil, and thyme. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine:

Return the chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve:

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh sage leaves or parsley for a fragrant finish.
Enjoy this rich and flavorful Tuscan-inspired pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep & Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add 300g penne and cook until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Prepare Chicken: Pat 2 sliced chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove to a plate.

3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.

4. Thicken & Season: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Whisk in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted. Add 1 tsp each of dried basil and thyme. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Final Combine: Return the cooked chicken and any juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta. Toss everything to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this rich pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or sage and extra Parmesan. For a complete meal, pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How-to Summary

Cook penne pasta. Sear seasoned chicken strips and set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Create the sauce with cream, broth, Parmesan, and herbs. Simmer to thicken, then combine sauce, chicken, and pasta. Toss well and garnish before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta? Yes. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle all work well with this creamy sauce.

How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, though the sauce will be less thick. Use low-sodium broth.

Can I add vegetables? Absolutely. Add spinach or chopped kale with the sauce to wilt, or include sautéed mushrooms with the garlic.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to refresh the sauce.

Is the sun-dried tomato flavor strong? It provides a sweet, tangy depth but isn’t overpowering. If using tomatoes packed in oil, pat them dry before chopping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Searing on medium-high heat ensures a golden crust without drying out the interior. Remove it as soon as it’s cooked through.
• Not Salting the Pasta Water: This is your only chance to season the pasta itself. Use at least 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
• Adding Cheese to Boiling Liquid: Let the sauce simmer gently before adding Parmesan to prevent it from clumping or becoming grainy.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: The starchy reserved water is key for helping the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Penne is a restaurant-quality dish achievable in your own kitchen. Its combination of tender chicken, rich Parmesan cream, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a comforting and impressive meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. By following the detailed steps and tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and master this flavorful classic.