Kid-Friendly Main Dishes Quick & Easy (30-Min)

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Penne with Grilled Chicken

Name: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Penne with Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: INGREDIENTS; 8 oz penne pasta; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

by Linda November 5, 2026

written by Linda November 5, 2026

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Transform your weeknight dinner with this creamy sun-dried tomato basil penne featuring juicy grilled chicken. The rich, velvety sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil creates a perfect harmony of flavors that coat every penne beautifully.

This dish not only showcases the comforting essence of pasta but also highlights the aromatic flavors of basil and the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Penne with Grilled Chicken

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes 20 minutes

Nutrition facts: 650 calories 25g fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS

8 oz penne pasta
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Mix in fresh basil and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Toss the cooked penne in the sauce until well coated. Serve topped with sliced grilled chicken and additional basil for garnish.

Notes

Tip: For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling.

For a quicker version, feel free to use pre-cooked grilled chicken strips available at most grocery stores. If you’re looking to mix things up, swap the penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Make sure to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.

basil creamy pasta easy dinner grilled chicken sun-dried tomatoes

Linda

I'm Linda, a health professional and food writer sharing tested, easy-to-follow recipes made from simple ingredients.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Penne with Grilled Chicken

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Penne with Grilled Chicken

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

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