There is something truly irresistible about the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes it a go-to for cozy weeknight dinners and impressive gatherings alike. With tender, perfectly seasoned chicken nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce studded with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, this dish brilliantly balances creaminess and vibrant tangy notes. The combination of fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes elevates every bite, creating a pasta experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for an incredible meal. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy chicken breasts that provide protein and texture, to the rich cream and sun-dried tomatoes that add depth and color to the sauce. The herbs and spices complete the flavor profile, making every forkful satisfying and memorable.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce perfectly.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon) and paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle smoky element to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a golden sear on the chicken that locks in juiciness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce with silky texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth and a savory punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The creamy heart of the sauce that makes this recipe indulgent without being overpowering.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds subtle savoriness and thins the sauce to just the right consistency.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce to provide a nutty, salty flavor boost.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: A little spice that wakes up your taste buds — adjust to your heat preference.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano and ½ teaspoon dried basil: Classic Italian herbs that brighten and round out the sauce’s flavor.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These bring concentrated tomato sweetness with a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine): Your choice of pasta that carries the sauce perfectly.
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water: Useful to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the noodles.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley: Bright, fresh herbs for garnish that add a pop of color and freshness.
- Extra grated Parmesan for serving: Because you can never have too much cheese on this creamy dish!
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, which means tender but still with a slight bite—this texture is crucial to keeping the dish balanced. Don’t forget to reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid is a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, give those chicken breasts some love. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for an irresistible savory crust. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high, then sear the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Resting the chicken before slicing lets the juices redistribute, making each bite juicy and tender.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet keeps all the fond flavors from the chicken, enhancing the sauce’s depth. Melt the butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds—be careful not to burn it! Next, pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat your spoon.
Step 4: Combine Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pasta
Stir in those chopped sun-dried tomatoes to infuse the sauce with a rich, tangy sweetness. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to marry the flavors beautifully. Then add the cooked pasta, tossing it carefully so every piece is generously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect, silky texture that clings lovingly to every noodle.
Step 5: Final Assembly & Serve
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, folding it gently into the creamy, tomato-studded sauce. This is where all the individual components come together to create harmony on your plate. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley plus an extra helping of grated Parmesan. Serve straight from the pan while it’s hot and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with this dreamy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only add a burst of green vibrancy but also lift the dish’s flavor with their aromatic freshness. A generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a lovely salty finish that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. These simple garnishes make every plate look and taste like a restaurant-quality meal.
Side Dishes
To round out this meal, consider serving a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some roasted seasonal vegetables for a bit of earthiness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette slices are also perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a single bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta family-style in a beautiful large skillet or a rustic serving bowl to encourage sharing and conversation. For a more elegant presentation, twirl portions of pasta into neat nests and arrange sliced chicken artfully on top, finishing with garnishes placed strategically for an Instagram-worthy plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken in the fridge, so it’s normal. Just give it a good stir and a little warm-up before enjoying again.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind the cream may change texture slightly. Freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken if possible, using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low-medium heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid the microwave when possible to preserve the dish’s flavor and creaminess, stirring occasionally until evenly warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or even rigatoni all work beautifully. Choose a pasta shape that you love and that holds sauce well.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary in the recipe?
Yes, the sun-dried tomatoes provide a unique tang and chewy texture that balance the creamy sauce perfectly, but if you don’t have them, chopped roasted red peppers can be a good substitute.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply omit or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. The sauce will still be packed with flavor without the heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Chicken thighs are juicier and add extra richness, but be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! It reheats well and can be portioned out for lunches or dinners throughout the week, making it a convenient and delicious option.
Final Thoughts
There is a comforting magic in the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes it a beloved favorite whenever it hits the table. It’s a dish that brings warmth and deliciousness in every bite, perfect for sharing with family or treating yourself after a busy day. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with this creamy, flavorful pasta that feels like a little celebration with every forkful.
Print
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a decadent and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Tossed with your choice of pasta, this recipe is a comforting and impressive meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed for sauce consistency)
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into strips.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pasta: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. Adjust the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Final Assembly & Serve: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and mix until well combined. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra grated Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne, fettuccine, or linguine work best.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat cream option.
