Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta. On busy weeknights, when the day has felt too long and the energy too short, I find myself reaching for this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s rich, garlicky, and layered with flavor—the kind of dish that feels gourmet but takes less than 30 minutes to make.
I still remember the first time I made it. It was a rainy Tuesday night, and I wanted something cozy but not too heavy. I had leftover grilled chicken in the fridge and a jar of sun-dried tomatoes that had been sitting on the shelf a little too long. I threw them together with some cream, garlic, and Parmesan—and magic happened.
That’s the beauty of this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe: it’s simple, quick, and restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your significant other, or just yourself, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Let’s dive in and make it together — you’ll be surprised by how easy it is!
Do you want more recipes?
Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe (2025)
Ingredients for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe to life.
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar, if possible)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 10 ounces (280g) fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional but recommended for color and nutrition)
To Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Grater for Parmesan
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your creamy pasta masterpiece.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Toss the cooked pasta lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta — it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove chicken from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
If you’re short on time, you can also use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium.
- Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the pan (this adds flavor!).
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Pro Tip: If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and stir well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Add spinach (if using) and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Your kitchen will now smell heavenly — rich, garlicky, and utterly irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
Top with:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped basil or parsley
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat
Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal made right at home.
How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is rich and flavorful, so it pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Simple Side Salad: Toss arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic dressing for a bright contrast.
- Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Wine Pairing: Try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- For Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea balances the richness.
Serve it in shallow bowls for that elegant, restaurant-style presentation.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Making the perfect Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is all about the little details. Keep these tips in mind:
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: They’re softer, richer, and infuse the sauce with flavor.
- Don’t overheat the cream: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.
- Freshly grate your Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Balance the flavors: If the sauce tastes too tangy, add a pinch of sugar to round it out.
- Reserve pasta water: The starch helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
- Let chicken rest: This keeps it juicy and prevents dryness.
- Use the same pan: Cooking everything in one skillet builds deeper, layered flavor.
Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Try these delicious twists to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
1. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta
Swap the chicken for shrimp — just sauté them until pink before making the sauce. It’s elegant and perfect for date night.
2. Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, artichokes, or roasted red peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.
3. Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give your pasta some heat.
4. Lighter Option
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and swap Parmesan for grated Pecorino for a sharper flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Version
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and cream are certified gluten-free.
6. Pesto Twist
Add a spoonful of basil pesto to the sauce for a vibrant, herby touch.
7. Bacon Lovers’ Dream
Crisp up a few slices of bacon and crumble them into the sauce for smoky richness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe tastes amazing fresh, but it also stores and reheats well with a few adjustments.
To Store:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- For best results, store sauce and pasta separately if possible.
To Reheat:
- Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
To Freeze:
- You can freeze the sauce (without the pasta) for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh pasta.
Pro Tip: Cream sauces can thicken as they sit. Always add a little extra liquid when reheating to bring back the creamy consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For the best creamy texture, use heavy cream or half-and-half.
2. What kind of pasta works best?
Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work perfectly. Choose pasta with ridges or curves to hold onto the sauce better.
3. Can I make this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
4. Do I have to use chicken?
Not at all — this recipe is versatile. You can use shrimp, salmon, tofu, or keep it entirely vegetarian.
5. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add more Parmesan cheese to naturally thicken it.
6. Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed?
Yes, but soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to rehydrate before using. Oil-packed tomatoes are more flavorful, though.
7. How do I make it extra creamy?
Add an extra tablespoon of butter or a spoonful of cream cheese to the sauce for richer texture.
8. What wine pairs best with this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe?
White wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pair beautifully with creamy sauces, while Rosé works well in summer.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
(Makes 4 servings)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
Note: Nutrition values vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is everything you want in a comforting, homemade meal—creamy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect balance of rich sauce, juicy chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes that’ll make you savor every bite.
Whether you’re cooking it for a quick family dinner or a romantic night in, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe never disappoints. It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again—the kind that becomes a weeknight staple and a crowd favorite.
So the next time you’re craving comfort food with a touch of elegance, grab your skillet, open that jar of sun-dried tomatoes, and whip up this heavenly Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. Trust me, you’ll be licking your plate clean.