Description
This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort dish! A rich and tangy sun-dried tomato sauce coats tender chicken and pasta, creating a delicious and easy meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- Salt, for boiling water
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach (optional, for extra greens)
For garnish:
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, then add heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked chicken and spinach, allowing spinach to wilt in the sauce.
- Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Protein options: Swap chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, chicken pasta, comfort food, easy dinner