Irresistible Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Twirling your fork through a luscious creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta that captures Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

Vibrant sun-dried tomatoes add unexpected bursts of intense sweetness against tender chicken pieces.

Silky sauce coats each pasta strand with rich, comforting complexity that feels both elegant and approachable.

Home cooks adore this restaurant-quality dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Weeknight dinner magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something spectacular.

Weekends or busy evenings demand meals that satisfy without complicated techniques.

This recipe promises deliciousness you can create with confidence and minimal kitchen stress.

Grab a plate and let’s make dinner extraordinary!

Why Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Is So Rich

• Burst with Flavor Explosion: Experience a delightful combination of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Parmesan, and perfectly seasoned chicken that dances across your taste buds with every single bite.
• Quick and Effortless Weeknight Wonder: This pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or endless prep work.
• Customize Your Comfort: The recipe offers flexibility to adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables, allowing you to personalize the dish to your family's unique preferences and dietary needs.
• Texture Paradise: Enjoy the amazing contrast between tender chicken, silky-smooth creamy sauce, al dente pasta, and the slight chewiness of sun-dried tomatoes that create a symphony of mouthwatering textures in one harmonious dish.

Everything You Need For Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Slices: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish, boneless and skinless work best for even cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich depth and moisture for the sauce, low-sodium recommended for better control of saltiness.

• Pasta, Spinach: Hearty base that absorbs creamy sauce, any short pasta like penne or fusilli works well, fresh spinach adds nutritional boost.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates smooth base for cooking and adds rich flavor, use unsalted butter for better seasoning control.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, warm undertone to the sauce, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates luxurious, creamy texture with tangy and salty cheese notes, freshly grated Parmesan recommended.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds intense, concentrated tomato flavor with slightly chewy texture, packed in oil version provides more richness.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Spice blend that builds complex, layered flavor profile with gentle heat and warmth.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh herb for garnish that adds color and aromatic finish.

How To Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt. Let the water reach a rolling boil. Drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it’s perfectly tender with a slight bite. Scoop out a small cup of the starchy water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta and reserved water aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan. Cook each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Let the sauce simmer and thicken, creating a rich and velvety base.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Toss the cooked pasta and fresh spinach into the creamy sauce. Watch as the spinach wilts and becomes silky. Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet, mixing everything until it’s perfectly combined. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to reach your ideal consistency.

Step 5: Plate and Devour

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top and add an extra shower of Parmesan cheese. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and inviting. Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal right at home!

Pro Tips For Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Pasta Water Magic: Save the starchy pasta water to help thin or thicken the sauce, creating a silky, perfectly coated dish.
• Chicken Seasoning Pro: Use a blend of spices to enhance flavor depth and create a golden, crispy exterior when searing.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free alternative that maintains rich creaminess.
• Veggie Boost: Add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
• Meal Prep Hack: Cook extra chicken and sauce separately to store in the refrigerator for quick meals throughout the week.

How To Store Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy texture and prevent drying.
• Microwave Option: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Avoid Freezing: Cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen, so enjoy this dish fresh for the best taste and texture.

What To Serve With Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Sip Bright White Wine: Crisp chardonnay or sauvignon blanc perfectly complements the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, cutting through its richness while enhancing the chicken's savory flavor.
• Pair with Fresh Side Salad: A light, zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the pasta's creamy texture, balancing the dish's intensity.
• Boost with Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted Italian bread helps soak up the delicious sauce, adding a delightful crunch and extra garlic undertones that match the pasta's flavor profile.
• Toast with Sparkling Prosecco: Bubbly prosecco's acidity and effervescence cut through the rich cream sauce, creating a delightful palate-cleansing experience that elevates the entire meal.

Tasty Swaps For Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Mediterranean Flair: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version that brings coastal flavors to your plate.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken with roasted artichoke hearts and white beans, creating a protein-packed meat-free meal that maintains the creamy sauce's richness.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and add corn kernels to transform the dish into a zesty southwestern-style pasta with bold pepper notes.
• Mushroom Lover's Edition: Mix in sautéed cremini and shiitake mushrooms, creating an earthy version that provides depth and umami to the original recipe's creamy profile.

FAQs About Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• What makes the sun-dried tomatoes special in this recipe?

Sun-dried tomatoes bring an intense, concentrated sweet-tangy flavor that elevates the entire pasta dish. They add a rich, deep Mediterranean taste that regular tomatoes can’t match, creating a more complex and gourmet profile.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

No, fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same depth of flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes have been slowly dried, which concentrates their sweetness and creates a unique taste that’s crucial to this recipe’s signature flavor.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes a small amount of red pepper flakes, which add a subtle warmth. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce or completely omit the red pepper flakes without losing the overall flavor of the dish.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it turns golden brown on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. When you cut into it, the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta delivers a Mediterranean melody of flavors that dance across your palate. Rich aromas and silky textures invite hearty comfort with each delectable forkful you savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with water and introduce a pinch of salt. Heat until vigorously bubbling and submerge pasta, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite. Extract a portion of starchy liquid before draining and setting pasta aside.
2. Liberally coat chicken slices with aromatic seasonings, ensuring each piece is thoroughly seasoned. Warm olive oil in a expansive skillet over robust heat. Expertly sear chicken, developing a rich golden exterior while maintaining succulent interior. Transfer cooked chicken to a waiting plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to melt butter, introducing minced garlic and allowing its fragrance to bloom. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, stirring briefly to release their concentrated flavor. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, capturing every caramelized morsel. Introduce heavy cream, grated Parmesan, herbal seasonings, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer and gracefully thicken.
4. Gently fold pasta and fresh spinach into the velvety sauce, watching the greens delicately wilt. Reintroduce the perfectly cooked chicken, ensuring every component is luxuriously coated. Adjust sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water as needed.
5. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and an additional dusting of Parmesan. Present immediately to capture the peak of flavor and texture.

Notes

• Maximize pasta flavor by generously salting the boiling water, creating a more delicious base for your dish.
• Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for an intensely rich and concentrated tomato taste that elevates the entire recipe.
• Keep chicken tender by avoiding overcrowding the skillet during searing, which prevents steaming and ensures perfect golden-brown edges.
• Transform this recipe into a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 72g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 110mg