Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: A Quick, Easy, and Flavorful Weeknight Delight
Life can be incredibly busy, no matter the day of the week. When dinner time rolls around, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated recipe that keeps you in the kitchen for hours. That’s where this incredible Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta comes to the rescue! It’s a dish designed for speed, flavor, and ultimate satisfaction, making it the perfect solution for any demanding evening. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table that the whole family will adore.
This creamy pasta dish isn’t just about speed; it’s about delivering a rich, deeply satisfying flavor profile that feels indulgent yet remains wonderfully balanced. While I adore a truly decadent creamy pasta, this recipe offers a slightly lighter touch by utilizing half-and-half, allowing you to enjoy its comforting qualities without feeling overly heavy. If you’re looking to shake up your pasta routine even further, don’t miss out on another fantastic one-pan option, like my Chicken Fajita Pasta, packed with vibrant flavors and minimal cleanup.
If the allure of creamy pasta is irresistible to you, then this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is bound to become an instant favorite in your household. It joins a roster of beloved creamy pasta recipes already on this site, including the ever-popular Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Pasta, the comforting Creamy Mushroom Pasta, the classic Pasta Milano, and the robust Tuscan Chicken Pasta. Each offers its unique twist, but all share that delightful creamy texture we all crave.
A personal touch you’ll often discover in my creamy pasta recipes is a slight adjustment to lighten them up just a tad. Many traditional recipes might call for a combination of both milk and heavy cream, or solely heavy cream. For this particular dish, I opt for half-and-half. This choice strikes a perfect balance, delivering all the desired richness and luxurious creaminess without the full caloric impact of heavy cream. Of course, if you’re aiming for ultimate indulgence and wish to go all out with heavy cream, feel absolutely free to do so – the results will undeniably be incredibly delicious and even more decadent.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
This recipe isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary experience that combines convenience with gourmet flavors. Here’s why it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation:
- Unbeatable Speed: With a total time of just 25 minutes, this dish is faster than most takeout options, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights.
- Explosion of Flavor: The star ingredient, sun-dried tomatoes, provides an intense, sweet-tart burst that beautifully complements the savory chicken, aromatic garlic, fresh basil, and creamy sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need any obscure ingredients. Everything on the list is easily found at your local grocery store.
- Customizable: Whether you want to add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap out the protein, this recipe is incredibly versatile to suit your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Its comforting and universally appealing flavors make it a hit with both adults and children alike.
- Elegant Yet Easy: Despite its simple preparation, the final dish looks and tastes impressive enough for guests, without requiring any advanced cooking skills.
The Star Ingredient: Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are truly the secret weapon in this pasta. They aren’t just a garnish; they infuse the entire dish with a concentrated, intensely sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that fresh tomatoes can’t quite replicate. When tomatoes are dried in the sun, their natural sugars and flavors intensify, resulting in a rich, umami-packed ingredient that elevates sauces, salads, and, of course, pasta. For this recipe, I highly recommend using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Not only are they softer and more pliable, but the oil they’re packed in is a treasure trove of flavor itself, perfect for sautéing your aromatics and building a deeper base for your sauce.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Success
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable meal. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some quick tips for each:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes. Chicken breast keeps it lean, while thighs add more richness and moisture.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed and chopped. Remember to use some of that flavorful oil from the jar!
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing. A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the Mediterranean flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for that aromatic kick.
- Onion: A small onion, finely chopped, provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of your dish.
- Half and Half: The secret to a creamy sauce that’s not overly heavy. See tips below for substitutions.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- Crushed Red Pepper: For a gentle warmth and subtle kick. Adjust to your preference.
- Basil: Fresh chopped basil brightens the dish and adds a vibrant aroma just before serving.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
- Short Cut Pasta: Penne, farfalle (bowtie), rotini, or ziti work wonderfully as they hold the creamy sauce well.
Mastering the Dish: Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this flavorful pasta is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen short-cut pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. This can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or oil from the sun-dried tomato jar) in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and brown it for 3-4 minutes until it develops a nice golden crust on all sides but is not yet fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside, covering loosely with foil to keep it warm and retain its juices.
- To the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil) along with the chopped onions and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become translucent. This step allows the sun-dried tomatoes to release their intense flavor.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 1 minute more. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you’ll know it’s ready when it becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is called “fond” and it adds immense flavor to your sauce.
- Return the browned chicken to the pan with the sauce mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook for 7-8 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to finish cooking through and absorb the flavors.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking and the chicken is cooked, add the drained, cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Finally, stir in the fresh chopped basil just before serving. The heat from the pasta will gently wilt the basil, releasing its fresh aroma. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With This Dish
This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich flavors and creamy texture. Here are some suggestions:
- Warm Breadsticks or Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious creamy sauce.
- A Crisp Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette or a classic Tossed Salad provides a refreshing contrast.
- Sautéed Asparagus: Tender-crisp asparagus offers a lovely green vegetable alongside.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Lightly steamed vegetables add nutrition and a touch of freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes would be a delightful addition.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Pasta
To ensure your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: You can use any cut of short pasta you like. While bowtie pasta (farfalle) was used here, penne, rotini, ziti, or even cavatappi are excellent choices. They all have grooves or shapes that trap the creamy sauce wonderfully.
- Don’t Waste That Oil: For an extra layer of savory flavor, always try to use the oil the sun-dried tomatoes are packed in. It’s infused with their essence and makes a fantastic base for sautéing.
- Adjusting Creaminess: To make this dish even more rich and incredibly creamy, feel free to use heavy cream instead of half-and-half. If you go this route, or if the sauce becomes too thick, you might need to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking liquid. Add it gradually to the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to add more crushed red pepper flakes than the recipe calls for. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Garnish for Freshness: Always serve with a generous sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese over the top and a little extra fresh basil for garnish. The fresh herbs really make the flavors pop.
- Season in Layers: Remember to season the chicken, the sauce, and finally, the combined pasta with salt and pepper to ensure balanced flavors throughout.
Variations & Customizations
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- Vegetarian Version: Easily omit the chicken and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, white beans, or even some robust roasted red peppers for a hearty meatless meal.
- Add More Vegetables: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking, or add diced bell peppers or zucchini along with the onions for extra nutrients and texture.
- Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, try cooked shrimp (add at the very end to just heat through), Italian sausage (browned and crumbled), or even crispy pancetta.
- Smoky Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth.
- Cheesier Sauce: For an even richer sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or a small amount of shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta makes fantastic leftovers, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Explore
If you loved this creamy pasta, be sure to check out these other mouthwatering pasta dishes from my collection:
- Chicken Spinach Alfredo
- Instant Pot Bolognese
- Creamy Beef Pasta
- One Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
- Hearty Goulash
- Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna
- Tomato Basil Tortellini
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 Tablespoon fresh chopped basil
- Salt and Pepper
- 8 oz short cut pasta
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- In a large skillet add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and brown the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it is browned, but not cooked through. Remove from the pan and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan with the onions and sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Mix in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until you can just start to smell it.
- Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Stir to bring everything together.
- Add the chicken back to the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 7-8 minutes until it starts to thicken and the chicken is cooked through.
- Toss with the cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix in the basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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