Penne With Sun-Dried Tomatoes And Chicken
Creamy penne pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, and fresh basil offers a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup boiling water ⓘ
- 6 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped shallots ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups chopped fresh portabello mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas ⓘ
- 8 oz dried penne pasta ⓘ
- vegetable oil cooking spray ⓘ
- 5 garlic cloves peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 12 oz evaporated skim milk ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil ⓘ
- 5 black olives thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Put sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl and add boiling water. Let soak until ready to use.
- Spray a baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.
- Season chicken breast with Italian seasoning, then bake in the preheated oven until cooked through, about 20 minutes. Let rest, then slice.
- Cook penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large skillet, spray with vegetable oil and sauté chopped shallots and garlic until fragrant.
- Add chopped portabello mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Stir in dry white wine and cook until reduced by half.
- Sprinkle with all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in evaporated skim milk, ground nutmeg, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Drain sun-dried tomatoes, chop them, and add to the sauce.
- Add thawed peas, cooked chicken slices, and sliced black olives. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Toss cooked penne with the sauce, fresh chopped basil, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the Italian seasoning for a few hours before baking. If you can't find sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with roasted red peppers. For a lighter version, use whole wheat penne or zucchini noodles. Don't skip the nutmeg, as it adds depth to the sauce. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables. If you're looking for more Italian recipes, this penne dish is a fantastic alternative to Lasagna Alfredo or Creamy Chicken Parmesan, offering a delightful mix of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring often to maintain creaminess. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne With Sun-Dried Tomatoes And Chicken contains roughly 858 calories, with 27g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (202% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (187% of the Daily Value), and calcium (83% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 548mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or even whole wheat options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose to ensure it's al dente.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine and reheat in a pan, adding a little extra milk if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
What can I serve with penne with sun-dried tomatoes and chicken?
This dish is versatile and can be served as a main course. Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for freshness. You might also enjoy it alongside garlic bread or a vegetable medley, enhancing the Italian theme of your meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).