Description
“Creamy Tuscan Chicken Penne
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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.