If you’re looking for a pasta dinner that’s both comforting and vibrant, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Tender strips of juicy chicken swim in a luscious, velvety sauce bursting with the sweet-tart zing of sun-dried tomatoes, all wrapped up in your favorite pasta. This dish is a true flavor bomb — quick to make yet perfect for impressing friends or savoring solo. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or a chicken lover, you’ll be licking your plate clean!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is how it transforms a handful of simple ingredients into something rich, colorful, and utterly crave-worthy. Each ingredient brings its unique flair, ensuring every bite is balanced and memorable.

Pasta (12 ounces penne or fettuccine): Penne catches all those creamy bits while fettuccine wraps up the sauce—pick whichever pasta makes you happiest!
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a silky start for sautéing, infusing everything with a hint of Mediterranean richness.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, sliced into strips): Juicy, lean protein that’s perfectly tender when cooked just right.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the final dish—don’t be shy, these bring all the flavors together!
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone, giving the sauce complexity and a mouthwatering depth.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil (1/2 cup, drained and chopped): These gems bring a tangy punch, beautiful color, and a touch of sweetness.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs to tie every flavor note together.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Helps deglaze the pan, lending extra savory notes to the sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives this dish its signature lushness—feel free to sub half-and-half for a lighter touch.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts right in, making the sauce extra creamy and flavorful.
Chopped fresh basil (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a burst of herbal freshness and the prettiest finish when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a roaring boil—this gives your pasta plenty of room to cook perfectly. Drop in the penne or fettuccine and let it go just until al dente, following the package directions. Once it’s tender but still has that slight bite, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step makes sure the noodles don’t become mushy later when they soak up all that gorgeous, creamy sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and let it shimmer. Season your sliced chicken strips all over with salt and pepper, then lay them in the hot pan in a single layer. Sear the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes until each piece is golden and cooked through. For juiciest results, don’t stir too much—let each side get that beautiful color. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 3: Build That Flavorful Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté everything for a minute or two, just until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes start to soften. The bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet? That’s pure flavor!

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up all those browned bits—the broth effortlessly picks up the savory notes left behind. Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and keep stirring as it melts, thickening the sauce into a velvety dream. This is where that luxurious creaminess is born.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slide the warm chicken back into the creamy sauce, followed by your drained pasta. Toss everything together so that every noodle is glossy and generously coated. If you want to level up the freshness, add a handful of chopped basil at the end. Serve immediately, and be ready for the oohs and aahs!

How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta! Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan over the top for added savoriness, or scatter on chopped fresh basil leaves—they provide a pop of color and a burst of garden flavor. If you like a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is a tasty surprise.

Side Dishes

This pasta doesn’t need much alongside, but it shines even brighter with the right extras. A crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while garlicky roasted vegetables (think broccoli or asparagus) add heft and color. A hunk of rustic bread is perfect for mopping up every bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta isn’t just weeknight fare—it’s ready for the spotlight at any gathering! Serve it twirled high in shallow bowls for classic comfort, or try portioning mini nests onto a platter for an elegant appetizer. For fun family-style service, pile everything into a large serving dish and let everyone dig in at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover pasta to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken a little as it sits, but the flavors only get even richer!

Freezing

Cream-based sauces can change texture after freezing, so while you can freeze Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta in a pinch, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and enjoy it within two months for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken tough and the sauce separate—but if you must, use 50% power and stir often.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is flexible—try it with spaghetti, linguine, shells, or even gluten-free noodles. Pick your favorite shape and enjoy.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

You sure can. Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or even whole milk for a lighter sauce. Just note it won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still be delicious!

What’s the best way to add veggies to this recipe?

Spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even peas are fantastic additions. Just toss them in with the sun-dried tomatoes so they get tender before adding the liquids.

Can I make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

While the dish tastes best straight from the stove, you can prep the chicken and sauce a few hours ahead. Assemble with hot, cooked pasta at the last minute for maximum freshness.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes make a great swap, each bringing their own unique twist to the flavor.

Final Thoughts

Dive into this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta when you’re craving something truly special yet wonderfully simple. Every forkful is a cozy escape, perfect for busy evenings or special occasions alike. Trust me—once you’ve tasted this irresistibly creamy, tangy, and savory dish, you’ll want to make it again and again. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and let this pasta become your new comfort classic!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta, a satisfying and easy-to-make dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken strips, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce come together to create a decadent pasta experience that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine everything: Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated. Garnish with chopped basil before serving.