Name: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta (cooked and drained according to package instructions); 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon Italian blend seasoning (or Herbs de Provence); 3 ounces sun dried tomatoes packed in oil (drained and patted dry with a paper towel); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 ½ cups heavy cream or half and half; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

If you’re craving something that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, you’re going to fall head over heels for my Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and luscious creaminess all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it a weekly staple in your kitchen because it’s just that fan-freaking-tastic.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy & Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect when you want a quick but impressive meal.
Burst of Flavor: The sun dried tomatoes add a delightful tang that pairs beautifully with creamy sauce.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup because you cook most of it in one skillet – a lifesaver on busy nights.
Family Favorite: My family always asks for seconds, and I bet yours will too.

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy pasta made of penne noodles coated in a pale orange sauce. The pasta is mixed with small pieces of light brown cooked meat and bits of sun-dried tomatoes adding deep red color scattered throughout. On top, there is a light sprinkle of grated cheese and small green herb leaves. A silver fork rests on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a black pan with more pasta is visible in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like old pals – the creamy base, savory chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes bring rich layers of flavor that you’ll appreciate every bite of. Plus, they’re simple to find at any grocery store, which makes this an accessible dish to whip up anytime.

Penne Pasta: I like penne because it holds the creamy sauce so well, but feel free to swap for your favorite pasta shape.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cutting it into bite-size pieces cooks quickly and ensures every forkful has chicken.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken perfectly without sticking.
Butter: Adds richness and helps develop flavor in the sauce.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must here for that punch of aroma and depth.
Italian Blend Seasoning: Herbs de Provence or any Italian herb mix works beautifully to elevate this dish.
Sun Dried Tomatoes Packed in Oil: I drain and pat them dry to keep the sauce from getting too oily but still keep all that tomato tang.
Chicken Broth: Builds a flavorful base for the sauce that’s lighter than chicken stock but just right.
Heavy Cream or Half and Half: Heavy cream yields the dreamiest sauce, but half and half works if you want to cut calories.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: This adds a lovely salty, nutty finish to the sauce, making it irresistible.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on who’s coming over or what I’m in the mood for. This recipe is so flexible that you can tame or amp up the creaminess, swap proteins, or add veggies without missing a beat.

Protein Swap: I’ve swapped chicken for shrimp when I wanted a lighter seafood twist, and it worked beautifully.
Veggie Boost: Adding spinach or mushrooms in the last few minutes of cooking adds some green without compromising the creamy sauce.
Dairy-Free Option: I sometimes use coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free spin that still delivers richness.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely kick if you like a little heat.

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sear Your Chicken

Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken in a single layer. You’ll want to let it sear for about 4-5 minutes without stirring too much to get a nice golden crust before flipping. This step locks in juicy flavor and really elevates the dish. Once cooked through, remove chicken from the pan and set aside – don’t worry, the magic continues in the same skillet!

Step 2: Build Your Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant – don’t let it burn or the sauce will taste bitter. Now add your sun dried tomatoes and give them a little sauté to release that intense tomato flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra depth. Slowly stir in the heavy cream (or half and half) and bring everything to a low simmer so it thickens just a bit – you’ll notice it getting silky and rich.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Chicken & Parmesan

Now it’s time to reunite the team — add your cooked, drained penne pasta and seared chicken back into the sauce. Toss gently until everything is coated in that luscious creamy goodness. Turn off the heat, then stir in fresh parmesan cheese, which melts right in and adds that perfect cheesy finish. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed, then get ready to plate up!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcook Chicken: Leaving chicken just cooked and juicy keeps it tender in the creamy sauce.
Pat Dry Sun Dried Tomatoes: Helps prevent the sauce from becoming too oily while keeping their intense flavor.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly or taste as fresh.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Finish cooking pasta in the sauce for a couple minutes to soak up flavor without getting mushy.

How to Serve Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white bowl holds a creamy pasta dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is short, tube-shaped penne pasta in a light orange cream sauce; the middle layer includes chunks of light brown cooked chicken mixed with the pasta; the top layer has small pieces of sun-dried red tomatoes scattered over the dish and a light sprinkle of grated cheese and black pepper on top. A silver fork rests inside the bowl, partially under some pasta. The background and surface are white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little extra freshly grated parmesan and add some chopped fresh basil or parsley on top—it adds a pop of color and fresh herb aroma that balances the richness. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything perfectly right before serving, especially on warmer days.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty baguette is also a must for soaking up every last bit of sauce—honestly, it makes the meal feel elevated and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this pasta in small cast-iron skillets topped with microgreens for an upscale vibe. Another time, I twirled the pasta into neat nests on plates, then spooned sauce and chicken artfully around for a restaurant-style feel. It’s fun to get creative and impress your guests with how simple ingredients can look so fancy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit when chilled, but it tastes even better reheated when you add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up.

Freezing

While creamy sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, I have had good results freezing this pasta just after cooking (before adding cheese). When thawing, I gently reheat on low, stirring in fresh parmesan and a bit more cream to refresh the texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream, stirring often to avoid burning. Microwaving works too if you add liquid and stir every 30 seconds for even heat. This keeps the sauce silky and the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta besides penne for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because it holds the sauce well, feel free to use rotini, farfalle, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times per the package instructions and make sure to save some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to add cheesy flavor. Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based chicken substitutes for a vegan twist.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking or separating?

Cook the sauce on low heat once the cream is added and avoid boiling it vigorously. Stir frequently and add the cheese off the heat to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without separation.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and chicken in advance and store separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, prepare the sauce fresh and combine all components for best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special spot in my dinner rotation because it’s the perfect blend of indulgent yet approachable. It’s that recipe I whip out when friends drop by or when I need something comforting with minimal fuss. Once you try it, I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorites too—something you can count on to please hungry bellies and bring smiles around the dinner table. Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out!