Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne

Weeknight Pasta Dinners – Episode One

This creamy sun-dried tomato penne is the perfect way to kick off Episode One of my Weeknight Pasta Dinners series. It’s everything I want in a weeknight meal — comforting, flavorful, and simple enough to make without spending hours in the kitchen.

The sauce is rich and creamy with just the right amount of tang from the sun-dried tomatoes, coating every piece of penne perfectly. It feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull together, which makes it ideal for busy nights when you still want something satisfying on the table.

Why This Pasta Works for Weeknights

• Comes together quickly with minimal prep

• Uses pantry-friendly ingredients

• Creamy without being heavy

• Easy to customize for the whole family

The Flavor Profile

Sun-dried tomatoes bring a deep, slightly sweet and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with cream. As the sauce simmers, it thickens and clings to the pasta, creating a dish that feels cozy and balanced. Adding spinach or fresh herbs is an easy way to sneak in extra greens without overwhelming the flavors — and yes, even kids tend to love it.

About the Crispy Chicken

I served this pasta with a crispy chicken breast to add texture and extra protein, but it’s completely optional. The pasta stands perfectly well on its own, making it a great vegetarian option. If you do add chicken, the contrast between the creamy sauce and the crispy exterior takes this dish to the next level.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is incredibly flexible:

• Keep it vegetarian and load it up with veggies

• Add grilled or crispy chicken for extra protein

• Swap penne for another short pasta you have on hand

• Adjust the creaminess to your liking

Why I Started the Weeknight Pasta Dinners Series

Pasta is something I make at least once a week, and it’s one of the few meals everyone in my house agrees on. This series is all about sharing real dinners for real life — meals that are family-friendly, comforting, and actually doable on a weeknight.

This creamy sun-dried tomato penne sets the tone for what’s to come: simple recipes with big flavor that fit into everyday life.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Weeknight Pasta Dinners, where I’ll be sharing another easy, cozy pasta dish to add to your rotation 🍝🤍

Ingredients:

• 1 box penne pasta

• ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• 1 cup chopped onion

• ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

• 2–3 cups fresh spinach

• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomato jar

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

  Crispy Chicken (Optional)

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally and pounded to even thickness

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder (to season flour)

  • 2 eggs, beaten

  • 1 cup Italian-style panko breadcrumbs

  • Oil, for frying

Directions:

Prepare the Chicken (Optional)

1. If using chicken, start here. Set up three shallow bowls:

   • One with seasoned flour

   • One with beaten eggs

   • One with panko breadcrumbs

2. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, coating both sides.

3. Transfer to the egg mixture and let it sit for about 1 minute per side.

4. Coat both sides generously with panko breadcrumbs.

5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

6. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

7. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Make the Pasta

8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

9. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente.

10. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Make the Sauce

11. In a deep pan over medium heat, add butter and sun-dried tomato oil.

12. Once melted, add garlic, chopped onion, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, until fragrant.

13. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.

14. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard.

15. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

16. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.