Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken is combined with a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, perfectly coating al dente pasta for a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare. The savory blend of Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs makes this dish irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta 9 Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken is combined with a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, perfectly coating al dente pasta for a comforting meal that's quick to prepare. The savory blend of Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs makes this dish irresistibly delicious.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce.
  8. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
  • Cheesy Delight: Stir in extra mozzarella or feta for a cheesy boost.
  • Protein Swap: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes in oil?

Yes, just drain them slightly before chopping and using in the recipe.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work well, but any pasta can be used.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and store the pasta and sauce separately. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or bell peppers make great additions.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer the sauce longer or add a bit more Parmesan to thicken.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

What sides go well with this dish?

A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. Consider adding a thickener like cornstarch.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting dry when reheating?

Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a decadent, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of bold flavors. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean

Description

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy date night. Tender, juicy chicken is seared and simmered in a luscious, garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s comforting, creamy, and bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta & Sauce:

  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained slightly)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional, for added greens)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta:
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
    • Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken:
    • Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
    • Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce:
    • In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil (preferably from the sun-dried tomato jar).
    • Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    • Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
    • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
    • Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
    • Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine:
    • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any juices.
    • Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
    • Stir in fresh spinach (if using) until wilted.
    • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
    • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
    • Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Notes

  • Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
  • Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra veggies.

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