Creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is the kind of dinner that instantly feels comforting.
As the chicken browns and garlic cooks in butter, the kitchen fills with rich, savory aromas.
Stir in cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes, and the sauce turns silky and flavorful.
Every bite of pasta gets coated in a creamy, slightly tangy sauce that tastes restaurant-worthy.
While the pasta cooks, the chicken and sauce come together in the same pan.
In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, satisfying meal that’s simple enough for busy weeknights.
Rich, cozy, and made with simple ingredients, this pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
It’s quick, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Ready in about 30 minutes. The sauce comes together while the pasta cooks.
- Rich garlic cream sauce. Cream, Parmesan and a splash of pasta water make it silky and smooth.
- Big flavor from sun-dried tomatoes. They add a sweet, tangy depth to every bite.
- Simple spice blend. Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili flakes and garlic powder season the chicken perfectly.
- Family favorite. Creamy pasta with tender chicken pleases just about everyone.
For the Chicken Pasta
- Pasta – Use your favorite short pasta such as penne, ziti, or rigatoni. These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce really well.
- Chicken Breasts – Cut into bite-size pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. Boneless skinless chicken works best for this recipe.
- Olive Oil – Used to sauté the onion and start building flavor in the pan.
- Onion – Finely chopped onion adds a savory base and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic brings a rich, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps the garlic cook gently without burning.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that gives the dish its classic Italian-inspired flavor.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky depth and extra warmth to the chicken.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Provides a light touch of heat to balance the creamy sauce.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the garlic flavor and seasons the chicken evenly.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- Heavy Cream – The base of the sauce that makes it rich, smooth, and creamy.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – A signature ingredient that brings tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the pasta.
- Pasta Water – The reserved cooking water helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Basil Leaves – Fresh basil adds color and a bright, fresh finish when serving.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
1. Cook the pasta. Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, saving ½ cup of the cooking water before draining.
2. Cook the onion. Warm the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and chicken. Stir in the garlic and butter for 30 seconds, then add the chicken and seasonings and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
4. Make the sauce. Add the cream, reserved pasta water, Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. Taste for salt.
5. Combine and serve. Toss in the pasta until coated, garnish with basil and serve right away.
Tips for the Best Results
- Save that pasta water. Its starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Cut the chicken evenly. Same-size pieces cook at the same time.
- Grate the Parmesan fresh. It melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Keep it at a simmer. A gentle heat keeps the cream from splitting.
- Serve immediately. Creamy pasta is best straight from the pan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Draining all the pasta water. Without it, the sauce can turn thick and claggy.
- Burning the garlic. It only needs 30 seconds before the chicken goes in.
- Overcooking the chicken. Small pieces cook in just a few minutes.
- Boiling the cream. High heat can make it separate.
- Overcooking the pasta. It softens more in the sauce, so stop at al dente.
Change It Up
- Add spinach. Stir in a handful of spinach with the cream until it wilts.
- Use thighs. Bite-size boneless thighs stay extra juicy.
- Turn down the heat. Skip the red pepper flakes for kids.
- Add mushrooms. Sauté them with the onion for an earthy twist.
How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Serve it with a fresh side to balance the creamy sauce, like Cucumber Tomato Salad, Greek-Inspired Cobb Salad or Buttery Garlic Green Beans.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days, as a general food-safety guide.
- Reheating: Warm gently with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Cream sauces can separate when frozen, so this pasta is best eaten fresh or from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pasta works best?
The card says any pasta works. Penne, rigatoni and fusilli all hold the sauce well.
Can I use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes. Drain them and chop before adding to the sauce.
Can I make it lighter?
Use half and half instead of heavy cream, but keep the heat low so it doesn’t split.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Notes
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice, half standard box
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. - Cook the onion
While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. - Add garlic and chicken
Stir in the garlic and butter and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the chicken pieces along with the seasoning mixture. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. - Prepare the sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes. Taste and adjust salt if needed. - Combine and serve
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Calories: 463kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 260mg | Potassium: 752mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 813IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 2mg
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great here and stay extra juicy. Just cut them into bite-size pieces and cook the same way as the chicken breast.
2. Why do I need to save pasta cooking water?
Pasta water is a little bit magical. Because it contains starch from the pasta, adding a splash helps the sauce cling to the noodles instead of sliding off. It also helps loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
3. How do I stop the cream sauce from splitting?
Keep the heat gentle when adding the cream. A slow simmer works best—boiling the sauce too hard can cause the cream to separate. Stirring constantly also helps keep everything smooth.
4. What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti are perfect because the creamy sauce gets trapped inside the tubes. That means more sauce in every bite!
5. Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a small splash of cream, milk, or water to bring the sauce back to life.
Final Thoughts
Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is a quick, comforting chicken pasta recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Make it for your next busy weeknight, and let us know in the comments if you added your own twist!
