Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Imagine twirling your fork around tender penne, juicy chicken bites, and silky ribbons of spinach, all enveloped in a rich, tangy, and irresistibly creamy sauce infused with the sunniest of sun-dried tomatoes. That’s the heart of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta—a dreamy dinner that feels both luxurious and deeply comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or wrangling weeknight chaos, this dish brings restaurant flair right to your own table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This hearty meal comes together from a handful of staple ingredients that each play a starring role: luscious cream for the silkiness, sun-dried tomatoes for a bright punch, and classic Italian seasonings to tie it all together. Gather these kitchen champions before you get started—the beauty of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is that every element shines.
- Penne pasta: Its tube shape holds the creamy sauce and little bites of flavor beautifully.
- Olive oil (from sun-dried tomato jar, if available): Using this oil infuses the entire dish with extra tomatoey goodness and rich aroma.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Quick-cooking and mild, they soak up all the sauce while adding satisfying protein.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings instant classic Italian flavor to the chicken.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing every note of the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds warmth and a gentle kick that makes all the flavors pop.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, it’s the aromatic backbone for the sauce, lending sweetness and depth.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These little gems bring tang, color, and a chewy, intense tomato flavor.
- Heavy cream: The secret to achieving that luscious, velvety sauce.
- Chicken broth: It lightens the cream, adds savory complexity, and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for rich umami and a touch of saltiness.
- Baby spinach (optional): A handful of greens for freshness, color, and a little something extra.
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish: It brightens everything at the finish and brings fresh, herbal notes.
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne according to the package directions until just al dente. That slight bite makes all the difference! Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure not to overcook—it will finish absorbing flavor in the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
While the pasta does its thing, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then add them to the sizzling pan. Let them cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they’re golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set it aside—don’t worry, we’ll bring it back for the party soon.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add another splash of oil if things look a bit dry. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds is perfect, so it doesn’t burn. Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and give them a quick stir, letting them soften and infuse the oil with their deep flavors.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any yummy bits stuck to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in your grated Parmesan and watch the sauce transform, thickening slightly and turning golden. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a sauce so good, it’s tempting to eat it right off the spoon!
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Time to unite everything! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with your drained pasta and baby spinach if you’re using it. Toss gently until every bite is glossy and well coated in that creamy sun-dried tomato goodness. Let it all heat through for another minute or two, then you’re ready to serve up a big bowlful of comfort. Don’t forget those finishing touches of fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
You’ll want every bowl to look every bit as inviting as it tastes. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil across the top for a gorgeous green pop, and don’t hold back on extra grated Parmesan—it adds a savory finish and beautiful texture. Cracked black pepper right at the table is the ultimate touch.
Side Dishes
Balance out the dreamy richness of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta with a crisp, simple salad—think peppery arugula with a lemony vinaigrette or baby greens tossed with balsamic. Warm, crusty bread is also a must for mopping up any sauce left in the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try plating the pasta in shallow bowls and tucking extra sun-dried tomatoes or a swirl of pesto on top. Or serve family-style in a big serving dish for that dramatic, “dig in!” moment. Mini portions in small ramekins even make an elegant starter at fancy gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Scoop them into an airtight container and stash in the fridge. They keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors become even richer as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
If you plan ahead, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers—just be aware that cream sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. It still tastes great, but a careful, low-and-slow reheat will help bring it back together.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir often, and your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta will be as luscious as the day you made it. The microwave works too, but go in short bursts and stir between each one for even results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne is classic, but this sauce loves any short pasta with nooks and crannies, like rigatoni or fusilli. Even spaghetti works if that’s what you have on hand.
How do I make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta gluten-free?
Easy—just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Most major brands make a penne version, so you won’t miss a thing!
Can I make it vegetarian?
Totally. Skip the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even chickpeas for protein. Swap in vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it veggie-friendly.
What’s the best way to add more veggies?
Throw in extra spinach, chopped kale, or even halved cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking. The sauce is so adaptable, it welcomes just about anything green or colorful.
How can I make it even richer?
For an extra luxurious sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of white wine while simmering the sauce. It creates a dreamy, restaurant-worthy depth and silkiness!
Final Thoughts
If creamy, tangy, sunshine-bright pasta is your thing, you’re going to fall head over heels for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. It’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a staple—delicious, adaptable, and made for sharing. Gather your ingredients, give it a try, and treat yourself to a meal that tastes like a warm hug!
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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta for a satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach are enveloped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, creating a dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (from sun-dried tomato jar, if available)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic, add sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in cream and broth, simmer. Stir in Parmesan until slightly thickened.
- Combine and serve: Return chicken to the skillet with pasta and spinach. Toss to coat. Serve hot, garnished with basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce.
- This dish works well with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
