Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that blends the rich, tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes with juicy chicken and silky cream sauce. This pasta is indulgent yet balanced, combining savory, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors that make every bite irresistible.

The sauce is made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and cream — coating the pasta perfectly while tender chicken pieces add satisfying heartiness. It’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough to make at home on a weeknight.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s pure comfort in a bowl. The sauce has that luxurious creaminess that hugs the pasta, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a punch of bold, slightly tangy flavor that cuts through the richness. The chicken makes it hearty enough to stand as a full meal, and the smell of garlic and Parmesan simmering together is irresistible.

It’s also very versatile — you can use any pasta shape, swap in spinach or mushrooms, or even make it gluten-free. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that always feels special.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality flavor. The creamy sauce is luscious but not heavy, and the sun-dried tomatoes bring a gourmet touch that elevates the entire dish. It’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week.

If you love Italian flavors and want a comforting, flavor-packed meal that comes together quickly, this pasta is an absolute winner.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best)
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional, for added greens)

Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Season and cook chicken until golden; set aside.
3. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then add cream, broth, and seasonings.
4. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
5. Add pasta, spinach, and chicken; toss well to coat.
6. Serve hot with basil and Parmesan on top.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

• Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce Base

• In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor).
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release flavor.

Step 4: Add Cream and Broth

• Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth.
• Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
• Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired.
• Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan Cheese

• Add grated Parmesan and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Combine Everything

• Return the cooked chicken to the pan, followed by the pasta and spinach.
• Toss well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
• Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan and chopped basil or parsley.
• Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta:

• Fresh and hot, straight from the pan.
• With a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
• Alongside a crisp green salad or Caesar salad.
• With a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a perfect pairing.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the chicken — it should be juicy and tender.
• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor.
• For a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer or add more Parmesan.
• If using jarred sun-dried tomatoes, the oil can replace regular olive oil for extra depth.
• Add spinach at the end so it stays vibrant and fresh.

Variations

1. Creamy Shrimp Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
2. Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
3. Lightened-Up Version: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
4. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
5. Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Stir in mozzarella or cream cheese for extra richness.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze the pasta (without the spinach) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
• Note: Cream-based sauces may separate slightly after freezing, but reheating slowly and stirring well restores the texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater for Parmesan cheese

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce and chicken ahead, then combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

Q2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Q3. What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but fettuccine works great too.

Q4. Can I use sun-dried tomato paste instead of chopped tomatoes?
You can add 1 tablespoon of paste for extra flavor, but don’t skip the chopped ones for texture.

Q5. How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Add a small spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone while simmering for an ultra-smooth finish.

Conclusion

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and elegance. The tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and silky cream sauce come together to create a restaurant-quality meal you can make in under 40 minutes.

It’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to impress family and guests alike. Whether for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion, this pasta dish delivers creamy perfection every single time.