This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dinner packed with tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and perfectly cooked pasta. The sun-dried tomatoes add a delicious sweet and tangy flavor, while the creamy Parmesan sauce brings everything together.

It’s the kind of restaurant-style pasta you can easily make at home in about 30 minutes. The sauce is rich without being complicated, and the combination of garlic, Italian herbs, spinach, and Parmesan makes every bite incredibly flavorful.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for the family, this creamy chicken pasta is a recipe worth adding to your regular dinner rotation.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Creamy and flavorful
• Tender, juicy chicken
• Rich sun-dried tomato flavor
• Easy one-pan sauce
• Perfect weeknight dinner
• Family-friendly
• Great for leftovers
• Easy to customize
• Restaurant-style flavor at home

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces penne or fettuccine
• Salt, for the pasta water

For the Chicken

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

• Chef’s knife
• Tongs
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry.

Season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the butter to the same skillet.

Once melted, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.

Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.

Stir and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes.

Step 6: Add Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low.

Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.

If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.

Step 7: Add the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet.

Stir for 1–2 minutes, until the spinach wilts into the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet.

Toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.

Add more pasta water if needed.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the heat.

Top with fresh parsley or basil, extra Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the chicken. Remove it as soon as it reaches 165°F.
• Reserve pasta water. The starchy water helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts more smoothly than packaged shredded cheese.
• Don’t boil the cream sauce. A gentle simmer helps prevent separation.
• Drain the sun-dried tomatoes. Excess oil can make the sauce greasy.
• Slice chicken after resting. This helps keep the chicken juicy.
• Add spinach at the end. It only needs a minute or two to wilt.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Add extra spinach and sliced mushrooms for a Tuscan-inspired version.

Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta

Replace the chicken with peeled shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.

Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Add sliced mushrooms with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Broccoli Chicken Pasta

Add steamed broccoli during the final few minutes for extra vegetables.

Lighter Version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly.

If you love creamy pasta dishes, don’t miss our . Chicken Broccoli Pasta, Cajun Sausage Pasta, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Feta Tomato Pasta, Boursin Cheese Pasta

What to Serve With Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Serve this creamy pasta with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Green salad
• Garlic asparagus
• Crusty Italian bread
• Roasted vegetables

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat.

Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream and stir gently until warmed through.

Avoid high heat because it can cause the creamy sauce to separate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken
• Boiling the cream sauce
• Adding Parmesan over high heat
• Forgetting to reserve pasta water
• Using too much sun-dried tomato oil
• Overcooking the pasta
• Adding spinach too early

Frequently Asked Questions

What pasta is best for Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta?

Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, and linguine all work well. Short pasta shapes are especially good at holding the creamy sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and can make the dish especially tender.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Half-and-half is a better lighter substitute.

Do I need to use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes?

Oil-packed tomatoes are recommended because they have excellent flavor and a softer texture. Drain them before adding them to the sauce.

Can I make this pasta without spinach?

Absolutely. Spinach is optional. You can leave it out or replace it with broccoli, kale, or mushrooms.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer the sauce gently for a few extra minutes, then add Parmesan. If necessary, use a small amount of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Conclusion

This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for a special meal. Tender chicken, sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and creamy sauce come together beautifully with your favorite pasta.

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