Quick & Tasty Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Sun-dried tomato chicken pasta upgrades ordinary weeknight dinners into culinary adventures.

Vibrant Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of robust flavors that tantalize taste buds.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of tender protein and silky sauce, perfectly balanced with intense tomato notes.

The dish speaks to comfort and sophistication simultaneously, bridging home cooking with gourmet sensibilities.

Nutritious and satisfying, this pasta promises a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Colors and aromas merge, elevating a simple recipe into something truly memorable.

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta for a Flavorful Meal

• Savor Rich Flavor Explosion: This pasta delivers an incredible taste symphony with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creating layers of deep, complex Mediterranean-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: The entire meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Enjoy Protein-Packed Comfort: Packed with a whopping 42 grams of protein from chicken and cheeses, this dish offers satisfying nutrition that keeps you full and energized while feeling indulgently creamy and delicious.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe allows simple ingredient swaps and adjustments, letting home chefs personalize the dish by changing protein, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish, best when boneless and skinless for quick and even cooking.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy texture and adds subtle richness to the sauce.

• Pasta: Hearty base of the dish that absorbs the flavorful sauce, choose a short shape like penne or rotini.
• Spinach: Fresh green that adds nutrition and color, wilts quickly and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• Shallots: Provides a mild, sweet onion flavor with less intensity than regular onions.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense, concentrated tomato flavor that adds depth and slight tanginess to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy sauce with rich texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and providing base flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall savory taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that provides classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing natural flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spiciness.
• Garlic Powder: Provides additional garlic flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb for garnishing and fresh flavor.

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Aromatic Flavor Base

• Shallots
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Garlic

Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil.

Step 4: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Add pasta, reduce heat to medium. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until al dente.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens

During the final minute of cooking, stir in spinach and let it wilt down.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until completely melted and incorporated.

Step 7: Combine and Simmer

Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in milk and mix thoroughly. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips for a Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to ensure each chicken piece develops a golden-brown crust, maximizing flavor intensity.
• Balance Sun-Dried Tomato Intensity: Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely to distribute their robust flavor evenly throughout the pasta without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Control Pasta Texture: Stir frequently during cooking and taste-test to achieve that ideal al dente consistency, preventing mushy or undercooked pasta.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Add cream cheese and Parmesan gradually while stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
• Enhance Herb Freshness: Chop fresh basil just before garnishing to maintain its vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils for a burst of flavor.

Storing and Reheating Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Storage
• Refrigerate leftover chicken pasta in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed portions will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the dish covered to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delicious flavor profile.
• Freezing Method
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Separate the pasta and sauce to prevent soggy textures during storage. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface to minimize freezer burn and preserve taste.
• Reheating Technique
• Restore the pasta's creamy texture by warming it slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive moisture and prevent drying out. Stir gently and frequently to distribute heat evenly, ensuring the chicken and pasta warm through without becoming tough or rubbery.

Pairing Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta with Wine

• Uncover Robust Wine Companions: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the sun-dried tomatoes' tangy profile and balance the creamy cheese sauce.
• Craft Refreshing Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, topped with toasted pine nuts to provide a zesty, fresh contrast against the rich pasta dish.
• Create Crusty Bread Accent: Serve warm garlic focaccia or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious sauce, adding texture and enhancing the overall dining experience with its herb-infused crunch.
• Boost Flavor with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese on top to elevate the dish's aromatic profile, bringing brightness and depth to each mouthwatering bite.

Variations of Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Mediterranean Mellow: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a smoother, sweeter flavor profile. Swap Italian seasoning for oregano and add crumbled feta cheese on top for authentic Mediterranean touch.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Substitute Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro instead of basil for bold southwestern flair.
• Veggie Power Plate: Remove chicken and double the spinach quantity. Add zucchini and mushrooms during the sautéing stage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Protein Plus Punch: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or cubed salmon. Keep the original seasoning but reduce red pepper flakes slightly to complement seafood's delicate flavor. Sprinkle fresh dill on top for an elegant finish.

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with rich, silky sauce and tender chicken. Parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs elevate this simple weeknight meal into a restaurant-quality experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 ounces (57 grams) low-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• ¼ cup (25 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) uncooked fusilli or penne pasta
• 2 cups (60 grams) packed baby spinach
• ½ cup (80 grams) diced shallots
• ⅓ cup (50 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, grated

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 ½ cups (600 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat of olive oil in a spacious deep skillet over medium-high temperature, arranging chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding.
2. Season chicken generously with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes; cook for 6-8 minutes until thoroughly done and golden brown.
3. Remove chicken from the skillet and transfer to a clean plate, reserving the flavorful cooking residue.
4. Add shallots, minced sun-dried tomatoes, and crushed garlic to the same skillet, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
5. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, gently scraping accumulated browned bits from the bottom to enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor.
6. Introduce pasta to the liquid, reducing heat to medium and stirring frequently to prevent sticking, cooking for 15-20 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency.
7. During the final cooking minute, fold fresh spinach into the pasta, allowing it to wilt and integrate seamlessly.
8. Incorporate cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and forming a creamy, uniform sauce.
9. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, adding milk and gently simmering for 3-5 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
10. Perform a final seasoning taste test, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
11. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese before serving immediately.

Notes

• Cooking this pasta becomes a breeze when ingredients are prepped and measured before starting the process.
• Keep chicken pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor throughout the dish.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using different cheese varieties for unique taste profiles.
• Fresh herbs like basil dramatically elevate the overall flavor and provide a vibrant finishing touch to the meal.
• Leftover pasta stores wonderfully in sealed containers within the refrigerator for up to three days, making perfect next-day lunch options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 577 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg