If you’re searching for a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a luscious combination of tender chicken pieces wrapped in a dreamy, velvety sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish balances bold, tangy flavors with rich creaminess, making it an instant favorite for busy weeknights or impressing guests without stress. Every bite brings you comfort and a touch of gourmet delight, proving that easy can also be unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, vibrant ingredients come together to create a dish that bursts with flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the hearty pasta providing the perfect base to the sun-dried tomatoes adding a pop of tangy sweetness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta: Choose your favorite shape for the ideal sauce hold and satisfying bite.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to cook quickly and evenly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Enhances flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden sear on the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings herbs like oregano and basil into the mix for a fragrant touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlicky goodness behind the scenes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A mild kick that rounds out the seasoning on the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives the sauce that aromatic depth you crave.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped): Bursting with concentrated, sweet-tart flavor that transforms the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The creamy heart of the dish that makes every forkful indulgent.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory balance and thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that nutty, salty richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped, optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a little heat if you like your pasta with a subtle kick.
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, just tender enough to hold up against that luscious sauce without getting mushy. Drain it well and set it aside so it’s ready to soak up all the flavors later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season every bite. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and the kitchen smells irresistible. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to mix. Bring this to a simmer so the sauce starts to thicken beautifully.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Chicken
Once simmering, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating that signature creamy texture. Return your cooked chicken back to the pan, tossing it to coat every piece generously in this rich sauce.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Finally, fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently mixing until every noodle is wrapped in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This ensures each forkful delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top bring a burst of fragrant green freshness that cuts through the richness, while a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes offers a subtle heat contrast if you’re feeling adventurous. Both elevate the dish to something truly special.
Side Dishes
To keep the focus on this luscious pasta, simple sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or garlic-roasted asparagus are fantastic companions that add balance and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta family-style in a warm, shallow dish so everyone can help themselves to those generous chicken pieces and sauce. Or, for an elegant twist, plate individual servings garnished with extra Parmesan and basil, paired with crusty bread perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for busy lunches or a second dinner that feels just as delightful.
Freezing
While freshly made pasta and cream sauces are best enjoyed right away, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce mixture separately. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat gently to preserve that creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers slowly over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps revive the creamy consistency without drying out the pasta or chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne work wonderfully here, you can swap in rigatoni, bowtie, or even spaghetti based on what you have. Just keep in mind thicker pasta holds the creamy sauce best.
Is it okay to use sun-dried tomatoes that are dry-packed instead of in oil?
Yes, but dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes are more concentrated and dry, so soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping to soften and bring out their flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will shift slightly but remain deliciously creamy.
How can I add vegetables to this dish?
Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are excellent additions. Sauté them along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to add more color, nutrients, and tasty layers.
What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces cooks it quickly and evenly, helping retain moisture. Also, avoid overcooking and remove the chicken as soon as it’s no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet is incredibly simple to whip up. The balance of rich creaminess and tangy tomatoes paired with tender chicken and your favorite pasta makes it an instant classic you’ll want to reach for time and again. Do yourself a favor and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta features tender bites of seasoned chicken simmered in a luxurious homemade sun-dried tomato cream sauce, tossed with al dente fettuccine or penne pasta. This quick and flavorful stovetop recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight Italian-American dinner that’s rich, comforting, and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Then add the drained pasta and gently combine everything until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil and crushed red pepper flakes if desired for added aroma and a little heat. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra richness and silky texture, stir in a tablespoon of butter into the sauce while it simmers.
- To add vegetables, consider sautéing fresh spinach or mushrooms along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
