Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and a velvety cheese sauce. This easy pasta recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced with the slight tang of sun dried tomatoes. The recipe is simple enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 8 oz dried pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 6–7 oz sun dried tomatoes in oil, chopped (oil reserved)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/3 cup half and half or heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp fresh basil, minced

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
3. Heat butter and 1 Tbsp reserved oil from sun dried tomatoes in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add garlic and sun dried tomatoes. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat in the sauce.
7. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Stir in fresh basil and serve warm.

Tips & Tricks

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor
• Don’t overcook chicken to keep it juicy
• Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients
• Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary: Halal-friendly

Notes

• Substitute cream with evaporated milk for a lighter version
• Try grilled chicken for a smoky flavor twist
• Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad

Nutrition (Approximate)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 38g
• Fat: 28g

FAQ

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of flour or cheese to thicken.

What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

Is this recipe spicy?
Mildly. You can skip red pepper flakes for no heat.

Can I freeze it?
Cream-based sauces may separate slightly but can still be frozen.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months
• Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop with added milk or cream

Similar Recipes

• Creamy Mushroom Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Lemon

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

A creamy chicken pasta with sun dried tomatoes and cheese.

Ready in 30 minutes using simple ingredients.

Perfect for an easy and comforting dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian-inspired

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz dried pasta penne, rigatoni, or farfalle
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 6 –7 oz sun dried tomatoes in oil chopped (oil reserved)
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 1/3 cup half and half or heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp fresh basil minced

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
• Season chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
• Heat butter and 1 Tbsp reserved oil from sun dried tomatoes in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add garlic and sun dried tomatoes. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
• Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat in the sauce.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Stir in fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

• Substitute cream with evaporated milk for a lighter version
• Try grilled chicken for a smoky flavor twist
• Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad

 

Conclusion

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a go-to comfort meal that’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.