Chicken Pasta With Sun Dried Tomatoes

Name: Chicken Pasta With Sun Dried Tomatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Favorites

I absolutely love making Chicken Pasta With Sun Dried Tomatoes, especially when I want a flavorful meal that’s easy to whip up. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce is simply irresistible. With every bite, I feel the richness of flavors meld together, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests, showcasing how simple ingredients can create something special.

Created by

Seraphina Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-28T07:25:35.148Z

When I first tried Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes, I knew I stumbled upon a gem. The vibrant colors of the ingredients make the dish visually appealing, and the flavors are a delightful surprise. I remember experimenting with the sauce, adding just the right amount of garlic and cream to balance sweet and savory notes. It’s a dish that can easily adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a favorite in my kitchen.

One of the secrets I learned is to let the sun-dried tomatoes marinate a bit in the cooking oil before stirring them into the pasta. This small step enhances their flavor, imparting a delicious depth to every bite. Pair it with a sprinkle of fresh basil or Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of sophistication, and you’ll have a meal that impresses every time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and savory flavors that blend beautifully
Creamy texture that coats each piece of pasta perfectly
Quick and easy to make, making it ideal for any occasion

Perfecting the Chicken

To ensure your chicken breasts are juicy and tender, always use high-quality meat. I recommend dicing the chicken into even pieces, about 1-inch cubes, to promote even cooking. Over medium heat, cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This usually takes around 8 minutes. Pay attention for a lovely golden hue on the outside — that’s flavor building up.

If you're looking for added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a couple of hours or overnight. This not only enhances the taste but also adds tenderness. An alternative is to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which can save you time. Just add it to the pan after the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to warm through.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Flavor Powerhouse

Sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated burst of flavor that elevates the entire dish, but it's essential to choose the right type. Opt for dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes over those in oil—they’re less oily and have a brighter flavor. If using oil-packed, be cautious with adding extra fat when sautéing the chicken, as the oil can make the dish too rich.

For a deeper flavor, consider rehydrating the dry-packed tomatoes in warm water for 10-15 minutes before chopping. This can revive some of their moisture and enhance their taste, making them even more delectable in the creamy sauce.

Making the Cream Sauce

The heavy cream is the star of the sauce, creating a luscious texture that coats the pasta beautifully. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though this may slightly alter the creaminess. Be careful with the heat when adding the cream; a gentle simmer is ideal to prevent curdling. Keep stirring for 3-4 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

If you want to mix things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for tanginess. Both can provide a delightful contrast to the creaminess and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a truly delightful dish:

Main Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup spinach, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure you have everything chopped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create this flavorful dish:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 8 minutes.

Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in the Cream

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chopped spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.

Serve

Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in some Italian seasoning before cooking. This enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Chicken Pasta With Sun Dried Tomatoes is a fantastic meal prep option. You can cook the pasta and chicken in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Combine them with the sauce just before serving to keep the pasta from getting too mushy.

If you want to make it ahead of time, consider preparing the entire dish but without adding the spinach and Parmesan. They can be added fresh upon reheating to preserve their colors and flavors. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

To brighten up the flavors, serve your pasta with a light salad or steamed vegetables on the side. A sprinkling of lemon zest or fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving can elevate the flavors and add a refreshing touch.

For a more extravagant meal, pair this dish with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. A chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the richness beautifully, making your dining experience more refined and enjoyable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Yes, but the flavor will be different. Sun-dried tomatoes have a concentrated taste that enhances the dish.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken beforehand. Just combine with the pasta when ready to serve.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace chicken with mushrooms or another protein and omit the cream for a lighter version.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish.