Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

I have to tell you about this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. It’s rich, smooth, and bursting with the tangy, sweet flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so easy to make!

If you’re looking for a quick dinner that’s creamy and full of flavor, this recipe is perfect. The tender chicken and the creamy sauce come together beautifully with that sun-dried tomato kick. It’s a comforting meal that never gets old.

I’m excited for you to try it and enjoy a little taste of something special. Ready to cook?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Flavors: The creamy sauce, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create a harmonious taste.
• One-Pot Comfort: Pasta cooks right in the sauce, making cleanup simple.
• Family-Friendly: Mild but flavorful enough for kids and adults alike.
• Flexible Ingredients: Use your favorite pasta shape and adjust seasonings easily.
• Great Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day when flavors meld.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings:
Serves about 4 people as a main dish.

Difficulty:
Easy to moderate — great for cooks with some basic experience.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Medium pot (if cooking pasta separately)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy pasta to life:

• 10 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning (or substitute with garlic powder and a pinch of pepper)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth as a substitute)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese (or Parmesan)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)

Variations for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Add Fresh Spinach: Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach at the end for a boost of color and nutrients.
• Use Different Cheese: Swap Asiago for Parmesan or even Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless thighs add extra juiciness and flavor if you prefer dark meat.
• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the chicken for earthiness and texture.

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them evenly with salt, paprika, onion powder, and Adobo seasoning. This simple seasoning enhances the chicken’s natural flavor and helps build the sauce base.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sear without stirring for 3-4 minutes to develop a nice golden crust. Then stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until chicken is cooked through but still tender. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic and Sun Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to burn it. Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to soften and release their flavor.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, whole milk, and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add dried basil and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step (Continued)

5. Cook the Pasta

If you prefer, cook the pasta separately in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, you can add uncooked pasta directly to the sauce if your pan is large enough and add extra broth or water, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.

6. Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir to coat the chicken well. Then add the cooked pasta to the sauce and chicken mixture. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.

7. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Asiago cheese over the pasta. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture.

How to Serve Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Serve this pasta hot and fresh, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh basil if you have it. It pairs wonderfully with:

• A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
• Crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce

Storing Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
• Freeze: This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook just until the chicken is opaque and no longer pink inside to keep it tender.
• Use Oil-Packed Sun Dried Tomatoes: They’re softer and more flavorful than dry-packed; if using dry, rehydrate in warm water first.
• Simmer Sauce Gently: Keep heat medium-low to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir often for even thickness.
• Adjust Consistency: Add more broth or milk if the sauce gets too thick before adding pasta.
• Cheese Choice Matters: Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	42 g
Total Fat	28 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Carbohydrates	32 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugars	4 g
Sodium	680 mg

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and add more flavor.

Q: What pasta shape works best?
A: Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni hold the sauce nicely, but use your favorite.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute cream and milk with coconut cream or dairy-free alternatives and use dairy-free cheese.

Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne powder.

Conclusion

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that balances tender chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce and bright sun dried tomato notes. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights or casual dinners. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do!