Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a delectable sun-dried tomato chicken pasta brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Soft, velvety noodles intertwine with tender chicken pieces in a luscious sauce.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each carefully crafted bite.

Succulent chicken mingles with tangy tomatoes, creating a symphony of rich textures.

Aromatic herbs and creamy elements elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Quick and satisfying, this recipe promises to become your new favorite go-to dinner.

One forkful will transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen, beckoning you to savor every delightful moment.

Reasons To Try Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

  • Create Family-Friendly Feast: This recipe brings everyone together with its rich, comforting flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a delightful shared experience.
  • Craft Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Impress your family and friends with a gourmet-style dish that tastes like it came straight from a professional kitchen, without needing advanced culinary skills.
  • Master One-Pan Convenience: Minimize cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal, saving precious time and energy in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Endless Variations: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What’s In Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main source of meat in the dish.
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce's flavor profile.
Dairy:
  • Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Create a smooth and creamy base for the sauce.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Asiago Cheese: Contribute a rich, melty texture and complex cheese flavor.
Pasta and Aromatics:
  • Pasta: The hearty base that carries the creamy sauce and absorbs flavors.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide a concentrated, tangy tomato flavor to the dish.
  • Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic base note to the sauce.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Salt, Onion Powder, Adobo, Paprika: Blend of spices that enhance the chicken's flavor.
  • Basil: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the creamy sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spicy complexity.
Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a flavorful cooking foundation.

Cooking Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Mix chicken with salt, onion powder, Adobo, and paprika, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the spices.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Develop Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 3 minutes until aromatic. Remove tomatoes, chop them finely, and reserve for later.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain pasta and keep warm.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream, whole milk, beef broth, basil, and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Slowly incorporate mozzarella and Asiago cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and starts to simmer.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Return chicken and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and gently stir, ensuring every ingredient is beautifully coated with the luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the creamy chicken pasta to serving plates. Serve immediately while hot and savor the rich, comforting flavors.

Useful Tips For Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

  • Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in seasonings for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
  • Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and help it better absorb the creamy sauce.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese freshly and add gradually while stirring to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce consistency.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, starting with a small amount and adding more if desired.
  • Cream Sauce Rescue: If sauce breaks or looks grainy, whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter to restore silky smoothness.

Style Swaps For Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

  • Dairy-Free Dream: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Use Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce, add kalamata olives, swap Adobo with za'atar seasoning, and include crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace basil with cilantro, add diced green chiles, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty southwestern-style pasta.
  • Low-Carb Comfort: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reduce broth, and increase cream for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the creamy texture.

What Pairs With Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

  • Savor with Bold Red Wine: Pair this creamy, rich pasta with a robust Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the heavy sauce and complements the sun-dried tomatoes' intense flavor.
  • Crisp Salad Companion: Create a refreshing side salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the dish's creaminess and add a zesty contrast.
  • Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve crusty, toasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture that enhances the pasta's smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Sparkling White Wine Match: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity to cleanse the palate and lighten the rich, cheesy sauce's heaviness.

How To Store Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Pack the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months maximum.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of milk or broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to prevent drying. Stir continuously to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Questions

  • Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Yes, you can substitute dried basil. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead of fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them completely if you prefer a non-spicy dish.

  • What if I don't have Adobo seasoning?

Replace Adobo with a mix of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will provide a similar flavor profile for seasoning the chicken.

  • Can I make this dish with a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work great with this creamy sauce. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well.

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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Luxurious creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta promises a Mediterranean flavor journey through Italy’s rich culinary landscape. Pasta lovers will savor each silky bite of this restaurant-quality dish you can easily craft at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 10 oz (283 g) pasta
  • 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (57 g) Asiago cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 oz (113 g) sun-dried tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Liberally coat chicken pieces with a blend of salt, onion powder, Adobo seasoning, and paprika for robust flavor infusion.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and warm olive oil until shimmering.
  3. Sear chicken for approximately 2 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior. Transfer to a holding plate.
  4. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing aromatics to release their essence.
  5. Gently sauté for 3 minutes, creating a fragrant base. Roughly chop the tomatoes and reserve.
  6. Cook pasta in rapidly boiling water following package guidelines, then drain thoroughly.
  7. Pour heavy cream, whole milk, and beef broth into the skillet, creating a luxurious liquid foundation.
  8. Sprinkle fresh basil and red pepper flakes for depth, then incorporate mozzarella and Asiago cheeses.
  9. Simmer sauce until cheese melts completely, stirring continuously to achieve a silky consistency.
  10. Reunite chicken, pasta, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the creamy sauce, ensuring each component is generously coated.
  11. Plate immediately while piping hot, presenting a decadent meal ready to be savored.

Notes

  • Elevate flavor by marinating chicken in seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter, diet-friendly alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes; start with less and gradually increase according to spice preference.
  • Boost nutritional value by adding spinach or roasted vegetables directly into the sauce for extra vitamins and color.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 629 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 919 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 46 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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