Best Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes

best-creamy-chicken-pasta-tomatoes

Introduction

If you’ve ever craved a dish that feels like a cozy hug, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing my Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes—a recipe that balances rich flavors with effortless elegance. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish delivers comfort and sophistication in every bite. Plus, it’s one of those meals that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes is a celebration of simplicity and depth. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes mingle in a velvety sauce that’s both luxurious and approachable. What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite herbs or swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry. For more inspiration on adaptable meals, check out my 5-Ingredient Dinners collection. This dish also aligns perfectly with my philosophy that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. If you love easy yet impressive recipes, you’ll adore my 30-Minute Meals guide too. Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes is a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create something unforgettable.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes holds a special place in my heart because it’s the dish I turn to when I need comfort without compromise. I first made it during a rainy weekend when I wanted something hearty yet bright, and it instantly became a family favorite. The tangy sun-dried tomatoes cut through the richness of the sauce, while the chicken adds just the right amount of heartiness. Every time I make it, I’m reminded why cooking is my love language—it’s about creating moments, not just meals.

Health and Nutrition

Why it’s good for your body

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes packs a nutritious punch while satisfying your taste buds. First, the lean chicken breast delivers high-quality protein to support muscle repair and keep you full longer. Additionally, sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of antioxidants like lycopene, which may promote heart health. Meanwhile, the creamy sauce, when made with Greek yogurt or light cream, offers calcium without excessive calories.

Moreover, this dish includes complex carbs from whole wheat pasta, providing steady energy. The fiber in whole grains aids digestion and helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Furthermore, herbs like basil or oregano not only enhance flavor but also bring anti-inflammatory benefits. With each bite of Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes, you get a well-rounded meal that fuels your body.

Finally, the dish balances indulgence and nutrition. Olive oil, often used in the preparation, contributes healthy fats that support brain function. By combining these ingredients, Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes becomes a delicious way to nourish yourself without sacrificing flavor.

How it fits in a healthy lifestyle

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes fits seamlessly into a balanced diet. For those focusing on protein intake, the chicken and Greek yogurt base make it a smart choice. If you prefer gluten-free options, simply swap regular pasta for a chickpea or brown rice alternative. This flexibility ensures the dish aligns with various dietary needs.

Planning meals ahead? This recipe stores well, making it ideal for meal prep. Pair it with a side salad for extra veggies, or adjust portion sizes to match your calorie goals. For heart-healthy eaters, using olive oil and lean protein keeps saturated fats in check. If you love flavorful yet wholesome dinners, explore more balanced dinner recipes to keep your routine exciting. Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes proves that eating well never means compromising on taste.

Print

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Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes


  • Author:     Chef Mia



Print Recipe

Description

A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy garlic sauce.

Ingredients


Scale

For the Crust:

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and dried basil.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.



How to Prepare This Dish

Steps and time-saving tips

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and drizzling in olive oil. Add diced chicken breast, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. While the chicken cooks, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente—this ensures it holds up well in the creamy sauce later. Meanwhile, drain and chop sun-dried tomatoes, reserving a bit of their oil for sautéing. Once the chicken turns golden, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant, then whisk in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, folding everything together gently. For a time-saving tip, prep your ingredients ahead—chop the chicken and measure the cream and cheese the night before. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of pasta water. Finish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy touch.

and-learned-from">Mistakes I’ve made and learned from

I once rushed the sauce and ended up with grainy Parmesan because I didn’t let it melt slowly into the cream. Now, I whisk it in gradually over low heat, just like I do with my perfect Alfredo sauce. Another blunder? Overcooking the sun-dried tomatoes until they turned rubbery. Lesson learned: add them late in the sautéing process to preserve their texture. If you’re new to balancing creamy pasta dishes, check out my creamy pasta basics guide for foolproof techniques. Trust me, a little patience goes a long way with this dish!

Cultural Connection and Variations

Where this recipe comes from

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes feels like a love letter to Italian home cooking with a modern twist. While pasta dishes have deep roots in Italy, this particular version blends rich, velvety sauces with the bold tang of sun-dried tomatoes—a staple in Mediterranean pantries. Interestingly, sun-dried tomatoes gained popularity in Southern Italy as a way to preserve summer’s harvest, and today, they add a punch of umami to dishes worldwide.

In my family, we tweak

the recipe by swapping heavy cream for Greek yogurt when we want a lighter touch. Meanwhile, in Northern Italy, cooks might use mascarpone for extra richness. Across the Atlantic, American kitchens often add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. No matter where you go, Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes adapts beautifully, making it a global comfort food favorite.

How it fits in today’s cooking

Today, this dish shines as a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat. Busy cooks love it because they can prep it in 30 minutes, yet it feels indulgent enough for date nights. Plus, it’s versatile—swap chicken for shrimp or keep it vegetarian with roasted cauliflower. Seasonal twists work too, like adding fresh basil in summer or sage in fall.

For those meal-prepping, Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes stores well, making it a smart choice for easy meal prep ideas. It also pairs perfectly with a crisp salad or crusty bread, just like the garlic butter dinner rolls we adore. Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting friends, this dish fits seamlessly into modern life while keeping tradition alive.

>Taste and Texture

What makes it delicious

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes delivers a rich, velvety bite that melts in your mouth. The sauce wraps around each noodle, offering a luxurious, buttery smoothness balanced by the chewy, slightly tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Fragrant garlic and herbs infuse every forkful, while tender chicken adds a satisfying, juicy contrast. Meanwhile, the sun-dried tomatoes pop with a sweet-yet-savory intensity, elevating the dish beyond ordinary pasta. Every bite of Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes feels indulgent yet fresh, thanks to bright notes from Parmesan and a hint of black pepper.

Boosting the flavor

For an even bolder twist, try swapping heavy cream with mascarpone for an extra-decadent sauce. Alternatively, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy pancetta on top for a crunchy contrast. If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of homemade chili oil will add a spicy kick. Fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon brightens the dish, while a side of garlic breadsticks soaks up every last drop of sauce. With these tweaks, Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes becomes a customizable masterpiece.

Tips for Success

Best practices for results

Always cook the chicken just until it reaches 165°F to keep it tender in your Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes. Meanwhile, reserve a cup of pasta water before draining—this helps adjust the sauce consistency later. For the creamiest texture, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan off the heat to prevent clumping. Finally, garnish with fresh basil right before serving for a vibrant finish.

Mistakes to avoid

Overcooking the pasta is a common pitfall, so check it a minute early since it keeps cooking in the sauce. Additionally, avoid adding cold cream directly to the pan, as it can curdle—warm it slightly first. For more sauce troubleshooting, check out our guide on fixing broken sauces. Lastly, don’t skip toasting the garlic; raw garlic overwhelms the dish. Learn how to balance flavors with our garlic cooking tips for better results every time.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

How to serve this dish

For a restaurant-worthy presentation, plate your Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the rich sauce. Top it with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Alternatively, serve it family-style in a large ceramic dish for cozy gatherings. This dish shines at dinner parties, but it’s also perfect for weeknight meals when you want something special. To elevate the experience, add a side of warm garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.

h-it">What goes well with it

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio balances the richness of Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes, while a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. For heartier appetites, pair it with our Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli to round out the meal. If you love bread, try our Rosemary Focaccia—its herby flavor complements the pasta beautifully. Finish with a simple dessert, like lemon sorbet, to cleanse the palate.

What type of pasta works best for Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best for Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes because they hold the sauce well. Avoid delicate noodles like angel hair, as the rich sauce and chunky ingredients need sturdier pasta to create a balanced bite.

rank-math-faq-item"> Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried in Creamy Chicken Pasta?

While fresh tomatoes add juiciness, sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated flavor and chewy texture that define Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes. If substituting, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for closest results, or roast fresh tomatoes to intensify their sweetness.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating in this dish?

Keep heat at medium-low when making the sauce for Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes, and stir constantly while adding dairy. A splash of starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, while grated Parmesan acts as a stabilizer. Never let the sauce boil vigorously.

What protein alternatives work with this sun-dried tomato pasta?

Shrimp, Italian sausage, or mushrooms make excellent substitutes in Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes for varied dietary needs. For vegetarian versions, double the sun-dried tomatoes and add white beans or grilled zucchini while keeping the same luxurious cream sauce base.

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