Rich, savory, and irresistibly creamy—this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest. Tender pieces of golden-seared chicken are nestled in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce, swirled with sun-dried tomatoes that bring a burst of tangy sweetness. All of this is tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta, creating a luxurious dish that’s both heartwarming and indulgent. Every forkful delivers a satisfying blend of bold Mediterranean flavors, creamy textures, and just the right hint of herbaceous freshness from chopped parsley.

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Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, an impressive dish for guests, or simply a new go-to pasta recipe, this one ticks all the boxes. It’s quick to make, utterly delicious, and feels like a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate simple ingredients into something special with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a bold, savory sauce with a slight sweetness that beautifully balances the dish.
Quick and easy: With straightforward ingredients and a short cook time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Comforting and creamy: The rich, velvety sauce hugs every bite of pasta and chicken, making it ultra-satisfying.
Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or even a splash of white wine to tailor it to your taste.
Family-approved: Kids and adults alike will dive into this with enthusiasm—expect no leftovers!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Before diving into the cooking, a little prep and the right kitchen tools go a long way in making this dish smooth and stress-free.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is your primary cooking vessel. A deep, wide skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken and provides space to build the creamy sauce.
Medium Pot: Used for boiling pasta. Make sure it’s large enough to allow the pasta to move freely and cook evenly.
Tongs or Spatula: For flipping chicken pieces without tearing them apart and stirring everything together smoothly.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Precision is key when slicing chicken and chopping parsley.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for getting the right ratios of cream, cheese, and seasonings.
Colander: To drain the pasta efficiently once it’s cooked.

Having these tools prepped and ready ensures you stay organized and focused while cooking, making the process more enjoyable and far less chaotic.

Preparation Tips

Prep Ingredients First: Slice your chicken, chop your garlic and parsley, and measure out the cream, cheese, and other items before you start cooking. This way, you’re not scrambling while things are sizzling on the stove.
Pound or Evenly Slice Chicken: Uniform thickness helps cook the chicken evenly and faster. If needed, pound the chicken slightly for consistent texture.
Salt the Pasta Water Generously: This simple step is key to adding flavor to your pasta from the inside out.
Use Oil from the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Instead of regular olive oil, use the flavored oil from the tomato jar to sauté your chicken and garlic—it infuses incredible depth into the dish.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-grated cheese can have anti-caking agents that affect the creaminess of your sauce. Freshly grated parmesan melts much smoother.

Ingredients for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

This recipe brings together a medley of rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavors with simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this luscious pasta dish come to life:

For the Chicken & Pasta:

2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced into strips or cubes
2 tablespoons oil (preferably from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor)
Salt and pepper, to season chicken
8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)

For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:

3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained but reserve some oil)
1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

A handful of spinach or arugula – Stir in at the end for added color and nutrition
Splash of dry white wine – Add after sautéing garlic to deglaze the pan and enhance flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Time to bring all those flavors together into one incredibly creamy and satisfying dish. Follow these steps to cook your pasta to perfection.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan.
Sauté for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), lower heat to medium.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing their flavors to bloom.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Add Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
Let the sauce simmer for about 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Chicken

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until it’s melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix well so it’s coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Toss in the Pasta

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to combine.
If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it up with a splash or two of the reserved pasta water.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Use the Oil from Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Don’t toss it! That deeply flavored oil adds an extra layer of richness and aroma to the dish.
Customize It: Feel free to stir in extras like fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped basil. They add flavor, color, and nutrients.
Make It Lighter: Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. It’ll still be creamy but with less fat.
Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-shredded kind. It melts more smoothly into the sauce and enhances creaminess.
Perfect for Leftovers: This pasta tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast can become dry and rubbery if cooked too long. Sear just until golden and cooked through, then remove it from the heat.
Not Reserving Pasta Water: That starchy water is your best friend. It helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta beautifully.
Adding Cheese Too Fast: Add Parmesan gradually off the heat or on low to prevent clumping and ensure a silky sauce.
Undersalting Pasta Water: The pasta should absorb flavor while cooking. A bland base can affect the overall balance of the dish.
Skipping the Taste Test: Always taste and adjust your seasoning at the end. Cream and cheese can mute salt, so a final sprinkle might be needed.

What to Serve With Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta?

This pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal into a full-blown dining experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a family feast, these pairings will balance and complement the dish’s creamy, savory flavors.

8 Recommendations

Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks
Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce. Crisp, golden edges with a soft buttery middle make for an unbeatable combo.
Simple Green Salad
A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich pasta. Add a sprinkle of feta for extra zing.
Roasted Asparagus
Slightly charred and earthy, roasted asparagus offers a subtle bitterness that pairs beautifully with the sweet and creamy sauce.
Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans
These easy veggies offer crunch and color. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten them up and cleanse the palate between bites.
Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze match the Italian vibe and bring refreshing acidity.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Roasted until golden and crispy, these are a game-changer. Their bold flavor holds up well against the creamy pasta.
White Wine
A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the richness of the sauce and sun-dried tomatoes with light acidity and fruitiness.
Lemon Sorbet or Tiramisu for Dessert
After a rich main course, a cool, citrusy sorbet refreshes the palate—or go full Italian with a creamy tiramisu finish.

Storage Instructions

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta stores wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day indulgence.

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess, and warm gently over low heat or in the microwave.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly on the stove with a bit of added liquid to bring back the silky texture.

Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind these values are approximate and will vary depending on portion size and any modifications made:

Calories: ~580 per serving
Protein: 34g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Cholesterol: 110mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s answer some common questions home cooks often ask about making Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta to help you cook with confidence.

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since they may take a bit longer to cook through than breast meat.

2. What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work best because they hold the sauce well. However, you can also use fettuccine or linguine if you prefer long noodles.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with unsweetened coconut cream or a dairy-free cooking cream, and use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

4. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmering the sauce a little longer helps it thicken naturally. You can also add an extra handful of Parmesan cheese or a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra body.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, or even peas are great additions. Stir them in toward the end so they stay vibrant and don’t overcook.

6. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can use cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even a touch of tomato paste, though the flavor will be slightly different. Sun-dried tomatoes offer a unique tangy sweetness that’s hard to match.

7. Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently. The red pepper flakes are optional. If you like spice, you can increase the amount or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

8. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Cook everything ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat with a splash of cream or milk. Keep pasta and sauce separate if you want to preserve the perfect texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is more than just a comfort dish—it’s a showstopper you can whip up on a weeknight or serve at a dinner party. Its luxurious sauce, savory chicken, and sun-kissed tomatoes create a restaurant-worthy flavor that feels both indulgent and approachable. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress with minimal stress.