Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, silky cream sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta. It is the kind of meal that feels restaurant quality but is simple enough to make at home. I still remember the first time I cooked this dish on a busy weekday evening. I wanted something quick but still satisfying after a long day. I had chicken in the fridge, a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, and some pasta in the pantry. I put everything together in one pan, hoping it would turn out okay. When I took the first bite, I was surprised. The creamy sauce was smooth, the tomatoes added a deep sweet tang, and the chicken made it hearty. It felt like a dish I would order at a good Italian restaurant. That moment taught me that simple ingredients can create powerful flavor when combined the right way. This recipe has since become a regular in my kitchen because it is reliable, fast, and loved by everyone at the table. In this guide, you will learn how to make Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta step by step. The method is simple, beginner friendly, and focused on flavor.
Ingredients
This recipe uses everyday ingredients that create a rich and balanced sauce.
Main Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced
- 250g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- Extra parmesan for topping
Instructions
Making Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta is simple if you follow each step carefully.
Step 1 Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Save 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2 Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and done, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 Build flavor base
In the same pan add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4 Make the sauce
Add chicken broth and cream. Simmer 3 to 4 minutes. Add parmesan and stir until smooth.
Step 5 Combine everything
Return chicken to pan. Add pasta. Mix well. Add pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
Step 6 Finish
Adjust seasoning. Add spinach or chili flakes if desired. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips and Variations
Do not overcook chicken. Use pasta water for silky sauce. Keep heat low when adding cream. Variations include spinach version, mushroom version, spicy version, garlic-heavy version, or lighter version using half and half. You can also swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread to soak up sauce. Pair with fresh green salad for balance. Add roasted vegetables for a full meal. It also works great for dinner parties or meal prep.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta is a simple but powerful recipe that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. It is creamy, comforting, and perfect for both busy nights and special meals. Once you try it, it easily becomes a go-to dish in your kitchen.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of cream
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter.
Can I make it ahead
Yes, store in fridge up to 2 days.
Best pasta type
Penne or fettuccine works best.
Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes
Yes, oil-packed gives best flavor.
How to avoid curdled sauce
Keep heat low and avoid boiling cream.
Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Save 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and done, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and cream. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Add parmesan and stir until smooth.
- Return chicken to pan. Add pasta. Mix well. Add pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
- Adjust seasoning. Add spinach or chili flakes if desired. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
