Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Penne with Broccoli

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Creamy, vibrant, and ready in 30 minutes, this Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Penne with Broccoli is the perfect blend of rich, savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. Tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli, and chewy sun-dried tomatoes are tossed with penne in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Ideal for weeknight meals, this easy recipe doubles as a comfort dish or a crowd-pleasing dinner party option. Whether you're looking for easy dinner ideas, healthy pasta dishes, or quick one-pan meals, this one's a guaranteed winner for the whole family.


Ingredients

Scale

340g penne pasta

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 450g), cut into bite-sized pieces

1 ½ cups broccoli florets

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until just shy of al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain together and set aside.

2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add remaining oil and sauté garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Let sauce bubble for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Return chicken to the skillet, then add cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Let cook another 1–2 minutes.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.

7. Serve immediately, garnished with more cheese or herbs if desired.


Notes

Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for maximum flavor—it's like built-in seasoning.

Add broccoli only in the last 2 minutes of boiling to keep it bright and crisp.

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomato, chicken pasta, healthy dinner, one-pan meal