Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Penne with Broccoli

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If you’re craving a cozy pasta dish with bold Mediterranean flair, this Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Penne with Broccoli is a dinner worth bookmarking. It’s savory, creamy, and bursting with brightness from tangy sun-dried tomatoes and tender-crisp broccoli. The penne soaks up every bit of the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, giving each bite the perfect balance of richness and freshness.

The beauty of this recipe is that it brings together pantry staples and fresh ingredients in a quick, weeknight-friendly meal that feels like something special. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish makes the kind of leftovers you actually want to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Penne

This pasta dinner has everything: juicy chicken for protein, penne pasta for comfort, and sun-dried tomatoes for a punch of umami sweetness. Broccoli adds a fresh, green crunch that lightens up the creamy sauce, making it feel hearty but not heavy. Plus, it all comes together in under 30 minutes—faster than ordering takeout and way more satisfying.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time, or swap out the penne for any short pasta you have on hand. It’s just as good with gluten-free pasta, and the sauce clings beautifully to everything from fusilli to rigatoni.

What Kind of Sun-Dried Tomatoes Should I Use?

The best kind for this recipe are the sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. They bring an intense, concentrated tomato flavor that instantly deepens the taste of your sauce. The oil they’re stored in is also incredibly flavorful—feel free to use a tablespoon or so of it to sauté your garlic and chicken for a boost of herby, tomato richness.

Avoid dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes unless you rehydrate them first. They can be tough and chewy without proper prep, and you won’t get the same deep, infused flavor in your dish.

Ingredients for the Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Penne with Broccoli

The magic of this dish lies in the balance of creamy, savory, and bright ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing flavor and texture.

Penne Pasta: The ridges hold the creamy sauce beautifully, and the tube shape gives a perfect bite.

Chicken Breast: Adds lean protein to make the dish more filling. You can also use boneless chicken thighs or pre-cooked chicken for convenience.

Broccoli Florets: Bring a tender bite and a pop of green that contrasts the creamy sauce nicely.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Add intense, slightly sweet tomato flavor and a chewy, savory texture.

Garlic: Provides the aromatic backbone of the dish’s flavor base.

Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that ties everything together.

Parmesan Cheese: Gives the sauce its nutty, salty finish.

Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and chicken; adds richness and depth.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor.

How To Make the Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Penne with Broccoli

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Garlic

Heat olive oil (or use some of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips and add them to the skillet. Stir well and let them heat through, infusing the oil and chicken with flavor.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Let everything warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon into bowls and top with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil if desired. Serve hot.

How to Store and Serve This Pasta Dish

This recipe feeds 4 to 6 people generously, and the leftovers are just as tasty the next day. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce and stir over medium heat until warmed through.

If you want to prep in advance, you can cook the pasta, broccoli, and chicken a day ahead and refrigerate them separately. Assemble and heat the sauce fresh when you’re ready to eat.

What to Serve With Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Simple Mixed Greens Salad

A light salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasty, slightly charred asparagus adds a touch of elegance to the plate.

Antipasto Platter

Serve a mix of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheese for an Italian-inspired starter.

White Wine

A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy notes.

Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re serving this dish on a colder evening, a small bowl of soup rounds it out into a comforting two-course meal.

Lemon Sorbet

Keep dessert light and refreshing with a scoop of lemon sorbet.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this creamy penne dish, you might want to try these next:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
• Easy Chicken with Zucchini Corn Garlic Sauce

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use rotisserie chicken or make it from scratch? Did you throw in a little spinach or maybe swap the cream for a lighter milk?

I always love hearing how others make recipes their own. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask—we’re all in this kitchen together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to comfort food recipes.

Conclusion

Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Penne with Broccoli is that ideal balance of quick and comforting. It feels like a cozy hug in a bowl but still delivers a hit of freshness and flavor thanks to the veggies and bright tomatoes. Whether you’re cooking on a weeknight or sharing with friends, this dish is bound to become a regular in your pasta rotation.

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