1-First Step: Cook the pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 10 ounces of penne pasta according to the package instructions. Cook it until just al dente so it still has a little bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce. If you want to keep it from sticking together, toss it with a tiny splash of olive oil.

2-Second Step: Season and cook the chicken Cut the 1 1/2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring as needed, until it is golden and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate.

3-Third Step: Start the sauce base In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour and cook it briefly to make a paste. This step helps the sauce thicken later and gives it a smooth texture.

4-Fourth Step: Whisk in the creamy liquids Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, followed by 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese. Keep whisking so the sauce stays smooth. The Parmesan will melt into the sauce and give it a rich, savory flavor. If the sauce looks too thick at this stage, add a splash more broth.

5-Fifth Step: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and seasoning Stir in 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently so it can thicken, usually for a few minutes. Taste the sauce and add a little more salt or pepper if needed. The flavor should be creamy, savory, and slightly tangy.

6-Sixth Step: Bring everything together Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the pasta. Stir well so every piece of chicken and every noodle gets coated in the sauce. Let it warm through for a minute or two. If the sauce thickens too much, add a small splash of broth or cream until it reaches the texture you like.

7-Final Step: Garnish and serve Spoon the pasta into bowls and finish with fresh basil. Add extra Parmesan cheese on top if you like. Serve it warm while the sauce is still creamy and smooth. This is the moment when Sun Dried Tomato Chicken magic really shines.