Best 8 Penne With Sun Dried Tomato Pesto And Chicken Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to the heart of Italian cuisine with our exquisite Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Chicken. This delectable dish is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that will leave you craving for more. The vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, bursting with umami richness, are carefully blended with aromatic basil, nutty pine nuts, and tangy Parmesan cheese to create a pesto that is both flavorful and versatile. Juicy chicken pieces, seared to perfection, add a savory touch to the dish, while the penne pasta provides a hearty base that perfectly complements the creamy pesto sauce.

But that's not all! This article is a treasure trove of culinary delights, featuring a collection of equally enticing recipes that will cater to every palate. From the classic Spaghetti Carbonara, with its rich and creamy sauce, to the hearty and flavorful Sausage and Peppers with Broccolini, each recipe is a testament to the depth and diversity of Italian cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress, these recipes will guide you through the culinary journey of a lifetime.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PENNE WITH SUN DRIED TOMATO PESTO AND CHICKEN



Penne with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto and Chicken image

My favorite thing to eat is pasta! I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Pesto is also one of my favorite sauces for it, and this is such a flavorful one!! I love the sweetness the sun-dried tomatoes add to this pesto! Yum! Hope you enjoy!

Provided by Lindsey McCue

Categories     Pasta

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 oz whole wheat or whole grain penne pasta
1 c cooked shredded chicken
1 jar(s) sun dried tomatoes in oil (8.5oz)
2 clove garlic
1 c (packed) basil, fresh
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 c walnuts or toasted pine nuts
1/2 c fresh grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c olive oil
salt and pepper to taste (only if needed at the end)
2 c of reserved pasta water

Steps:

  • 1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes and their oil, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes, and nuts. Blend until roughly combine. Add the parmesan cheese and while continuously blending add the remaining 1/4 c. olive oil in a slow steady stream until the mixture comes together. (it will be thick) Check seasonings and add salt and pepper only if needed. Set aside or refrigerate until needed. Bring up to room temp. before using.
  • 2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8-15 minutes or as directed on the package. Drain, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid.
  • 3. In the same warm pot you used to cook the pasta in add the pesto to the pasta and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten and bring it together. Add the shredded chicken and mix well.
  • 4. Transfer to a serving dish. Serve sprinkled with a little extra parmesan!

PENNE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO



Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

12 ounces penne pasta
1 (8.5-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil
2 garlic cloves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
  • Meanwhile, blend the sun-dried tomatoes and their oil, garlic, salt and pepper, to taste, and basil in a food processor and blend until the tomatoes are finely chopped. Transfer the tomato mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the Parmesan.
  • Add the pasta to the pesto and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Season the pasta, to taste, with salt and pepper and serve.

PENNE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO AND CHICKEN



Penne With Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Chicken image

I saw this recipe being made on "Everyday Italian" on the food network. The original recipe did not call for chicken, but I think it needed a little meat to make it extra yummy. Enjoy!

Provided by Juju Bee

Categories     Penne

Time 30m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

12 ounces penne pasta
1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 (8 1/2 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
2 garlic cloves
salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 cup packed fresh basil leaf
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite (al dente), stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
  • Meanwhile chop cooked chicken.
  • Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
  • Blend the sun-dried tomatoes and their oil, garlic, salt and pepper, to taste, and basil in a food processor and blend until the tomatoes are very finely chopped.
  • Transfer the tomato mixture to a large bowl and stir in the Parmesan and the chicken.
  • Add the pasta to the pesto and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten.
  • Season the pasta to taste, with salt and pepper and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 464.2, Fat 13.9, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 40.3, Sodium 315.2, Carbohydrate 66.6, Fiber 10.7, Sugar 0.1, Protein 22.2

BASIL PESTO CHICKEN WITH ALFREDO PENNE AND SUN DRIED TOMATOES



Basil Pesto Chicken with Alfredo Penne and Sun Dried Tomatoes image

Basil Pesto Chicken with Alfredo Penne and Sun Dried Tomatoes is the most comforting and creamy delicious dinner ever!

Provided by Shawn

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 ½ cups uncooked Penne pasta
2 tsp olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (pounded to an even thickness)
4 tsp prepared basil pesto
3 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)
1/2 cup butter
8 oz. cream cheese (cut into small cubes)
1 1/3 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter version)
1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/3 cup julienned sun dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)

Steps:

  • Boil the penne in a large pot of water, according to package instructions.
  • Meanwhile heat the 2 tsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breast halves with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet to a plate, cover each chicken breast with 1 tsp of prepared basil pesto, then cover the plate loosely with foil.
  • In the same skillet add the butter and garlic and stir, to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Once the butter is melted add the cream cheese and whisk until the cream cheese is mostly melted. Reduce the heat to medium low and gradually add the cream to the skillet, while continuing to whisk.
  • Once the mixture is smooth add in the parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and sun dried tomatoes. Whisk until melted and smooth again. Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the pan with the sauce. Stir to coat and then serve alongside with the basil pesto chicken breasts. Enjoy right away!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1229 kcal, Sugar 4 g, Sodium 1149 mg, Fat 88 g, SaturatedFat 50 g, TransFat 1 g, Carbohydrate 61 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 49 g, Cholesterol 327 mg, ServingSize 1 serving

BAKED PENNE WITH CHICKEN AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES



Baked Penne with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes image

A family favorite, this recipe makes one baking dish for now and one to freeze for a ready-made dinner when you're pressed for time.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 tablespoons butter, plus more for baking dishes
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 pound penne rigate
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (8 ounces each), halved horizontally
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups whole milk
10 ounces white mushrooms, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded provolone (6 ounces)
1 cup finely grated Parmesan (4 ounces)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400. Butter two shallow 2-quart baking dishes. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 3 minutes short of al dente; drain pasta, and return to pot.
  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until opaque throughout, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Halve each piece lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise.
  • In a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot, melt butter over medium. Add flour and garlic; cook, whisking, 1 minute. While whisking, gradually add milk; bring to a simmer, whisking frequently. Add mushrooms and tomatoes; cook 1 minute. Off heat, gradually stir in provolone and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
  • Add chicken and pasta to pot; season with salt and pepper. Divide pasta mixture between baking dishes; sprinkle each with 1/4 cup Parmesan.
  • Bake, uncovered, until top is golden and bubbling, about 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 636 g, Fat 26 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 38 g

CHICKEN, PESTO AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA



Chicken, Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta image

This is one of the most requested recipes in our house; simple, very tasty and healthy. Goes down a treat with a nice glass of white!

Provided by currybunny

Categories     European

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, skin and fat removed
14 ounces penne or 14 ounces spiral shaped pasta
3/4 cup semi sun-dried tomato, roughly chopped
2/3 cup basil pesto
2/3 cup light cream
parmesan cheese, to serve

Steps:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to pan and cook for 5-7 minutes each side or until cooked through.
  • Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  • Cook pasta according to packet direction, drain and return to saucepan.
  • Heat remaining oil in pan, add tomatoes and toss for a minute.
  • Thinly slice chicken and return to pan; add pesto and cream and toss over low heat til well combined.
  • Add pasta and mix well, season with salt and pepper if desired.
  • Serve accompanied with parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 672.9, Fat 24, SaturatedFat 8, Cholesterol 72.8, Sodium 281, Carbohydrate 93.1, Fiber 17, Sugar 4.1, Protein 26.8

PENNE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES AND CHICKEN



Penne With Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Chicken image

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories     dinner, pastas, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 main-dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, not packed in oil
6 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
3 tablespoons chopped shallot (1 large shallot)
1 1/4 cups chopped fresh portobello mushrooms (2 smallish mushrooms)
1/2 cup fresh peas or thawed frozen peas
8 ounces dried penne
Light vegetable-oil cooking spray
5 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon flour
12 ounces evaporated skim milk
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
5 medium black olives, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Put the sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl, add 1/2-cup boiling water and set the bowl aside for the tomatoes to reconstitute. Fill a large pot with water, and bring it to a boil.
  • Combine the chicken and wine in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning on top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear. Remove and shred the chicken, reserving the cooking juices.
  • Drain the sun-dried tomatoes, and slice them thin.
  • Pour the reserved cooking juices from the chicken into a saute pan. Add the shallot, mushrooms, peas and tomatoes. Saute over low heat for a few minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed and the vegetables are wilted. Remove the pan from the heat and cover it to keep the vegetables warm.
  • Add the penne to the boiling water in the large pot, and cook over high heat to desired doneness, 8 to 12 minutes.
  • While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce. Preheat a small heavy saucepan for about 1 minute over medium heat; then spray it twice with the vegetable oil. Toss in the garlic and flour; then, whisk in the evaporated milk. Add the nutmeg and red pepper flakes. Whisking constantly, bring the mixture to a boil, and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, until thickened. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, and stir in basil.
  • Drain the cooked pasta, and transfer to a warm serving bowl. Add the chicken, vegetables and sauce. Season with salt, if desired, and toss. Garnish with olive slices.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 388, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 57 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 23 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 128 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 0 grams

PENNE CHICKEN WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES



Penne Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes image

"The use of precooked chicken and sauce that comes in a jar make this dish fast and easy to assemble." The sun-dried tomatoes give this cheesy casserole a sophisticated feel; it's great for company. -Robin Klawinski of Eagle, Idaho

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

3-3/4 cups uncooked penne pasta
2 jars (15 ounces each) sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce
2 packages (9 ounces each) ready-to-use Southwestern chicken strips
2 cups oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 jar (6 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
4 green onions, sliced
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. , In a large bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, chicken, tomatoes, mushrooms, green onions and pepper. Drain pasta; stir into chicken mixture. Spoon into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. , Cover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until heated through. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5-8 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Freeze Option: Before baking, cover and freeze casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 535 calories, Fat 29g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 136mg cholesterol, Sodium 1566mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, ripe tomatoes, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic basil are essential for a delicious pesto. Choose high-quality chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy results.
  • Roast the tomatoes: Roasting the tomatoes concentrates their flavor and sweetness, adding a depth of flavor to the pesto. Don't skip this step!
  • Make the pesto ahead of time: Pesto can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it a great make-ahead meal option.
  • Use a variety of pasta shapes: Penne, rotini, and fusilli are all great choices for this dish. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
  • Don't overcook the chicken: Chicken should be cooked until it is no longer pink in the center, but not overcooked, or it will become dry and tough.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or chives add a pop of color and flavor to the finished dish.

Conclusion:

This flavorful and versatile dish is sure to please everyone at your table. With its combination of roasted tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and chicken, it's a perfect weeknight meal that's easy to make and packed with flavor. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy pasta dish, give this penne with sun-dried tomato pesto and chicken a try. You won't be disappointed!

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