There’s something irresistibly comforting about a dish of creamy pasta that brings together tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a romantic dinner for two, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce, with bites of juicy chicken and bursts of tangy sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a restaurant-quality recipe that you can easily make in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in and discover how you can bring this delicious dish to life!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple yet bursting with flavor, this one’s for you. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Creamy and indulgent: The sauce is rich, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Packed with protein and flavor: Juicy chicken and the unique tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes take this dish to another level.
- Customizable: You can easily add spinach, mushrooms, or even shrimp for extra variety.
- Quick and easy: You’ll have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it again the next day.
Ingredients for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy pasta dish:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken breast, diced | 1 pound (450 grams) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped | ½ cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Pasta (penne, fettuccine, etc.) | 8 oz (225 grams) |
| Fresh spinach (optional) | 2 cups |
| Fresh basil or parsley (optional) | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Let’s break this recipe into simple steps so you can master it with ease:
1. Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside. To prevent clumping, toss it with a light drizzle of olive oil.
2. Cook the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes have softened slightly.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Heat the mixture until it begins to bubble gently, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine the Chicken and Pasta
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce.
- If using spinach, stir it in at this stage, allowing it to wilt into the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives the sauce a creamier consistency.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: If possible, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer flavor. Drain the excess oil before chopping.
- Add veggies: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make great additions to this dish.
- Reheat gently: To keep the sauce creamy, reheat leftovers on low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (recipe serves 4):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~600 |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fat | ~30g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
FAQ: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Follow the same instructions, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free meal.
2. Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. Can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten the recipe, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the cooked pasta with the sauce. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently with some added liquid to restore its creamy consistency.
6. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works well, but you can also use fettuccine or spaghetti if you prefer long noodles.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy indulgence and tangy freshness. The sun-dried tomatoes add bursts of flavor that complement the richness of the sauce, while the tender chicken makes it a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to please.
Ready to Cook?
Gather your ingredients and bring this comforting dish to life in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful—perfect for any day of the week. Once you try it, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. So, grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!
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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. This dish brings together tender, seasoned chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, romantic evenings, or whenever you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to prevent clumping)
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450 grams) chicken breast, diced into small chunks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Optional Add-Ins and Garnish:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil if desired to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes have softened slightly.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce.
- If using spinach, stir it into the skillet at this stage, allowing it to wilt into the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Pasta Substitutes: Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works best, but you can use long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine if preferred.
- Add More Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes are great additions to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired