Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and delivers creamy, comforting satisfaction, look no further than this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken breast meets the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce with Parmesan and Italian herbs. Served over your choice of pasta, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why It Works Every Time

The magic of this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The olive oil sears the chicken to perfection, locking in juices and creating a savory base. Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of sweetness and acidity, complementing the richness of the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Italian seasoning ties all the components together with fragrant, herbaceous notes. Plus, using your favorite pasta allows you to customize the dish to your liking, whether it’s penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free noodles.

This recipe also succeeds because it’s simple, requires minimal ingredients, and can be easily doubled for feeding a crowd. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor. And with fresh basil as a garnish, you get a pop of color and freshness that elevates the entire dish.

Gather These Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of choice – penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work wonderfully
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the chicken
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced – bite-sized pieces for quick cooking
• Salt and pepper, to taste – essential for seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – adds aromatic depth
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – packed with tangy sweetness
• 1 cup heavy cream – creates the luscious sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for savory, nutty richness
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs to enhance flavor
• Fresh basil, for garnish – for a fresh, herbal finish

Recommended Tools

• Large pot – to boil pasta efficiently
• Large skillet – perfect for searing chicken and making the sauce
• Sharp knife – for dicing chicken and chopping sun-dried tomatoes
• Colander – to drain pasta easily
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring the sauce gently
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure precise ingredient amounts

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta — Do This Next

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and gently stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Tailor It to Your Diet

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
• Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Swap chicken breast for shrimp or turkey if you want a different protein option.

Author’s Commentary

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it hits all the right notes—rich, savory, and just a touch tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes. The creamy sauce is indulgent without being overwhelming, and it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you want to keep it simple or dress it up with a side salad or garlic bread, it always feels special.

One tip I love is using the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency. It helps the sauce cling to the noodles perfectly. Also, don’t skip the fresh basil garnish—it adds a brightness that balances the richness beautifully.

If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy trying my Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Chicken Pasta or the flavorful Chicken And Roasted Red Pepper Pasta. For a twist on chicken dishes, the Mozzarella Pesto Stuffed Chicken is a must-try!

Save for Later: Storage Tips

• 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 milk to refresh the sauce.
• You can freeze the pasta, but note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Use within 1 month for best quality.
• To avoid overcooking the chicken when reheating, warm the pasta and chicken separately if possible.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why is my sauce too thick?

If your sauce thickens too much, simply add a bit of the reserved pasta water or a splash of cream to loosen it up. Stir gently over low heat until the desired consistency is reached.

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

Fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same concentrated flavor and sweetness as sun-dried tomatoes. If using fresh, consider roasting them first to intensify their taste, or add a small amount of tomato paste to enhance the sauce.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Make sure to cook the chicken over medium-high heat just until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcooking by cutting the chicken into uniform pieces and removing it from heat as soon as it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or simply omit it for a slightly different but still tasty sauce.

Similar Recipes

• Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Chicken Pasta – a seasonal take on creamy pasta with a velvety pumpkin sauce.
• Chicken And Roasted Red Pepper Pasta – vibrant and flavorful with a smoky red pepper sauce.
• Mozzarella Pesto Stuffed Chicken – a cheesy, herbaceous chicken recipe packed with pesto goodness.

Bring It to the Table

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a wonderful dish to serve for casual family dinners or when entertaining friends. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. The vibrant colors and inviting aroma will have everyone gathering around the table in no time. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep without compromising on flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is a simple way to impress your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share your table. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

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