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: 300g penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 200g cooked chicken breast, sliced; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil, for garnish; Parmesan cheese, for serving

Highlighted under: Everyday Cozy Meals

I absolutely love cooking this Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes on busy weeknights when I crave something comforting yet quick. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce creates a dish that feels gourmet but comes together in just a short time. With just a few pantry staples, I can whip up a meal that satisfies both my hunger and my taste buds. Honestly, it’s my go-to option for impressing guests while also enjoying a delicious meal myself.

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-02-27T23:49:34.980Z

When I first tried making Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes, I was blown away by how much flavor could come from such simple ingredients. The sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy contrast to the creamy sauce, and perfectly roasted chicken makes this dish feel substantial. By tossing everything together at the right moment, I ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

The key to success with this recipe is the timing; I start cooking the pasta right before I begin the chicken. This helps to pull everything together seamlessly and allows me to finish the dish with a touch of freshness by adding a sprinkle of basil and parmesan right before serving. It’s a delightful balance of tastes and textures that I know I’ll make repeatedly.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Savory richness from sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce
Tender chicken cooked to perfection for a satisfying bite
Quick preparation that makes it perfect for any night of the week

The Role of Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes elevate this chicken pasta dish by introducing a concentrated flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Their natural sweetness and slightly chewy texture create a delightful contrast in each bite. When selecting sun-dried tomatoes, opt for those packed in oil for enhanced richness; they can also be rehydrated in warm water if you have the dried variety. Just be mindful to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your sauce.

Chopping the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces ensures that their robust flavor disperses evenly throughout the dish. Moreover, consider blending a few pieces with your sauce for an even smoother taste profile, enhancing the creaminess without overwhelming the final texture. This enhances the overall depth of flavor, allowing the sun-dried tomatoes to shine without overshadowing the tender chicken and pasta.

Perfecting the Cream Sauce

Achieving the perfect cream sauce is all about balancing the ingredients. As the heavy cream combines with chicken broth, it thickens up nicely, creating a luscious base for the pasta. To prevent curdling, ensure that your skillet is not too hot before adding the cream; a medium heat is ideal. Stirring continuously will also help in maintaining a smooth consistency without any lumps, resulting in a glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.

If you prefer a lighter variation of this dish, you could substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. This offers a tangy flavor while reducing the overall richness without sacrificing creaminess. Just be sure to add the yogurt towards the end of cooking to avoid curdling.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

When serving chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, presentation can elevate the dining experience. I love to plate it in shallow bowls, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil, and add a generous grating of Parmesan on top. A drizzle of balsamic reduction can also add an excellent unexpected twist, blending beautifully with the flavors of the creamy sauce and sweet tomatoes.

For variations, feel free to add veggies like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for an extra nutritional boost. They wilt quickly and complement the dish's flavors nicely. Alternatively, consider adding red pepper flakes for some heat or swap the chicken for shrimp or grilled vegetables for a different protein option!

Ingredients

For the Pasta

300g penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
200g cooked chicken breast, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish
Parmesan cheese, for serving

Make sure to adjust the seasoning according to your tastes!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, followed by the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Combine Chicken and Pasta

Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce, mixing well to coat everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes!

Pro Tips

You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is great for meal prep. You can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to four days; just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen it. If freezing, I recommend undercooking the pasta slightly so when you reheat it, it doesn’t become overly soft.

When storing leftovers, keep the pasta and the sauce separate to maintain the best texture. If combined, the pasta will absorb the sauce, leading to a mushy consistency upon reheating. To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat, tossing frequently until warmed through. This method helps retain the cream sauce’s silky texture.

Common Troubleshooting

One common issue people encounter is a sauce that is too thick. If this happens, simply add more chicken broth, a little at a time, and stir until you achieve the desired consistency. On the other hand, if your sauce is too thin, a quick fix is to allow it to simmer for a few additional minutes to evaporate excess liquid, or you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry made with equal parts water and cornstarch.

Another potential problem could be overcooked chicken, which can turn dry and tough. To prevent this, make sure your sliced chicken is added to the sauce toward the end of cooking, just enough time for it to heat through without further cooking. Remember, chicken should ideally be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Questions About Recipes

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

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but the flavor will be less intense. Consider roasting them first for added depth.

→ What type of chicken should I use?

Grilled or roasted chicken works best for this recipe, as it holds up well in the sauce.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just store the pasta and sauce in separate containers, and reheat when ready to eat.