Luscious Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand a delicious solution that satisfies every craving for creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta.

This elegant dish combines rich, tangy flavors with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

Aromatic herbs and luxurious cream sauce create a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes.

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes adds a delightful Mediterranean twist to a classic comfort food.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of textures and intense flavors that dance across your palate.

Creamy, savory, and utterly irresistible, this pasta promises to become a new favorite at your dinner table.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and transform your ordinary evening meal into a culinary celebration.

Cooking Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Made Easy

• Pasta Preparation

Boil a pot of water seasoned with salt. Drop in the noodles and cook until they dance with tenderness. Capture a splash of cooking water before draining, setting the precious liquid aside.

• Chicken Magic

Sprinkle chicken pieces with a whisper of seasoning. Sizzle them in a hot skillet until they turn golden and sing with flavor. Transfer the gorgeous meat to a waiting plate.

• Sauce Symphony

Melt butter in the same skillet, welcoming fragrant garlic. Toss in tangy sun-dried tomatoes and let them mingle. Pour chicken broth, creating a delicious foundation. Swirl in cream, Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper. Let the sauce bubble and thicken like a culinary love story.

• Harmony on a Plate

Reunite the noodles and silky spinach with the luxurious sauce. Welcome back the chicken, letting everything cuddle together. If the sauce feels shy, coax it with a splash of reserved water.

• Final Flourish

Shower the dish with fresh basil and a snowfall of Parmesan. Serve immediately and watch faces light up with joy.

Tips For Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Pasta Water Magic: Never discard pasta water completely. This starchy liquid helps create smoother, silkier sauces and can rescue a sauce that's become too thick.
• Chicken Tenderness Trick: Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness and prevent dry meat. Slice against the grain for extra tenderness.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to maintain creamy richness while keeping the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, crispy tofu, or white beans for different protein options that work beautifully with the sun-dried tomato sauce.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference. Start with a pinch for mild warmth or go bold with a full teaspoon for spice lovers.

How To Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Family Feast Finale: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty pasta together, creating memories with each delicious bite.
• Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh basil and extra Parmesan, making a stunning presentation that impresses guests.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the creamy, sun-dried tomato flavors with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay for a balanced dining experience.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Pack remaining pasta in meal prep containers for a delightful next-day lunch, which tastes even more flavorful after the ingredients meld overnight.

Store Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta The Right Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Quick Reheating Method: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy texture. Avoid microwave to prevent sauce separation and maintain pasta's tender consistency.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Package meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best taste and texture.
• Prep-Ahead Hack: Chop chicken and measure ingredients in advance. Store prepped components separately in refrigerator, allowing quick assembly during busy weeknights for stress-free cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients For Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates a satisfying main dish, choose fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking and tender texture.
• Spinach: Adds nutritional boost and vibrant green color, select crisp, dark green leaves without wilting.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy punch that elevates the sauce's depth, opt for oil-packed varieties for richer taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic foundation that provides robust depth, select firm, plump cloves without sprouting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, nutty complexity, choose freshly grated for maximum flavor intensity.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that create Mediterranean warmth, look for a mix without excessive salt.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and complexity, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Fresh Basil: Provides bright, herbaceous finishing note, select leaves with deep green color and no browning.

• Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking base with heart-healthy benefits, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps build sauce's creamy texture, select unsalted for better control of salt levels.
• Chicken Broth: Builds liquid foundation with additional flavor layers, low-sodium versions recommended.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce texture, full-fat version provides best consistency.
• Pasta: Serves as substantial base for the dish, choose medium-sized shapes that hold sauce well.

Tools Used For Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space to cook noodles evenly.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for searing chicken and creating the creamy sauce in one pan.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir ingredients and scrape browned bits from skillet.
• Measuring Cups: Accurately measure pasta water, broth, and cream.
• Cutting Board: Prep surface for slicing chicken and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Slice chicken and chop fresh basil for garnish.
• Colander: Drain pasta quickly and efficiently.

Dreamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta blends Italian culinary traditions with rich, comforting flavors. Savory chicken and tangy tomatoes mingle in a luxurious sauce that ensures a memorable dining experience for home cooks.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining, then set pasta aside.
2. Chicken Searing: Season chicken slices with robust herbs and spices. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over high heat, expertly sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes, deglaze with chicken broth, then incorporate heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
4. Combining Elements: Introduce pasta and fresh spinach into the velvety sauce, allowing spinach to gently wilt. Return chicken to the skillet, tossing to ensure every ingredient is luxuriously coated. Adjust sauce texture using reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately to capture the dish’s peak flavor and textural harmony.

Notes

• Pasta Water Preservation: Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining – this liquid gold helps create silky, clingy sauce and can adjust consistency if sauce becomes too thick.
• Chicken Seasoning Technique: Generously coat chicken with dry seasonings before searing to develop deep flavor layers and create a beautiful golden crust that locks in moisture.
• Skillet Temperature Control: Use medium-high heat when searing chicken to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without burning, ensuring juicy internal meat texture.
• Sauce Balancing Trick: Gradually add reserved pasta water to create ideal sauce thickness, preventing it from becoming too runny or overly dense – aim for a smooth, glossy coating that clings beautifully to pasta and chicken.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg