1-First Step: Cook the pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 10 ounces of penne pasta and cook it according to the package directions until al dente. This usually takes around 10 to 11 minutes, but check the box to be sure. Before draining, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside. The starchy water can help loosen the sauce later if needed.

2-Second Step: Season and cook the chicken While the pasta cooks, season the 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning. Toss well so every piece gets coated. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then, until browned and cooked through. The chicken should reach 165°F inside. Transfer it to a plate and keep it nearby.

3-Third Step: Build the sauce base Lower the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let it brown. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons flour and whisk for 1 minute. This step helps the sauce thicken later. Slowly pour in 2 cups chicken broth while whisking the whole time so the mixture stays smooth.

4-Fourth Step: Make the creamy sauce Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and whisk until the sauce looks silky. Add 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and the rest of the paprika if you held some back. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce starts to thicken, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. If it looks too thin, let it simmer a little longer. Keep stirring so the parmesan does not stick to the bottom of the pan.

5-Fifth Step: Bring everything together Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir well so every piece gets coated in the creamy sauce. Then add the drained penne pasta and toss until everything is mixed evenly. Let the pasta simmer for 1 to 2 minutes so the noodles soak up some of the sauce. Taste and add a little more salt or pepper if needed. This is a good moment to adjust the flavor before serving.

6-Final Step: Garnish and serve Spoon the pasta into bowls or onto a large serving plate. Finish with fresh basil for garnish. The basil adds a fresh note that balances the rich sauce and makes the whole dish look beautiful.