Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a comforting, easy dinner idea. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to a perfectly creamy sauce every time. The rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes make this pasta dish better than takeout. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Mediterranean Tuna Salad Recipe for Quick Dinner and Easy Stuffed Grape Leaves with Lemon Rice and Herbs.
Why This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Is Pure Comfort
- Rich, creamy sauce made from scratch
- Tender chicken and tangy sun-dried tomatoes
- Better than takeout and easy to make
- Comforting and satisfying dinner idea
What You'll Need for Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pasta
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
- Chicken broth
- Optional: Fresh basil
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Instant-read meat thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time. → See on Amazon
- High-quality pasta pot — Prevents pasta from sticking and makes draining easy. → See on Amazon
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Step 1: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in a large skillet until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Step 3: Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to combine and coat with the creamy sauce. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pro tip: For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Pro tip: Add a splash of white wine to the skillet for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little chicken broth or milk.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality skillet — A good skillet ensures even cooking and easy cleanup. → Check price on Amazon
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pasta
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Onion
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
- Chicken broth
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in a large skillet until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Step 3: Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to combine and coat with the creamy sauce. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little chicken broth or milk.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 14g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes FAQs
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time. Cook the pasta and reheat everything together when ready to serve.
Curdling can happen if the sauce is too hot. Make sure to simmer the sauce gently and don't let it boil.
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
Yes, cook the chicken and onions in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the other ingredients and cook for another 15-20 minutes on high.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
