Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Easy Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a big bowl of creamy pasta. It’s the kind of dish that brings you straight into your comfort zone after a long day. And when you add juicy, tender bites of chicken, the richness of sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce? That’s when things go from good to unbelievable. This creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. It’s satisfying, simple to pull together, and seriously delicious.

I remember the first time I made this recipe—I’d just come home from a whirlwind day, too tired to even think about an elaborate meal. I glanced through my pantry, spotted a half-used jar of sun-dried tomatoes, a box of rigatoni, and some leftover chicken. Within 30 minutes, I had a steaming bowl of creamy, garlicky, cheesy pasta on the table—and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, and honestly, it might become one in yours too.

This dish has everything going for it. It’s easy enough for a quick dinner but feels elevated enough to serve to guests. It comes together with just a few pantry staples, and the result is a restaurant-quality pasta dish you’ll be proud of. The combination of flavors—savory chicken, tangy tomatoes, creamy Parmesan, and fragrant garlic—is the kind of meal that lingers on your taste buds in the best way possible.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or treating yourself to something extra cozy, this creamy chicken pasta delivers every single time. So grab your skillet and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy chicken pasta Recipe

It’s Quick and Easy

One of the biggest reasons this creamy chicken pasta is such a winner is because it comes together so effortlessly. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to decide what to order on a takeout app, and honestly, this tastes better too. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are simple, and the cleanup is minimal.

The Flavor is Next-Level

Don’t be fooled by how easy it is—this pasta is loaded with flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated sweetness and slight tang that perfectly cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. The garlic and onion add savory depth, and the combination of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes gives it just the right kick. Every bite is balanced, creamy, and comforting.

Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’ve got picky eaters at the table or friends coming over for dinner, this dish is always a hit. The flavors are bold but familiar, and the creamy texture makes it appealing to just about everyone. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your crowd—just dial back the red pepper flakes if you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive folks.

It’s Easily Customizable

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Want to swap the chicken for shrimp? Go for it. Prefer spinach over sun-dried tomatoes? Toss it in. You can make it gluten-free with the right pasta or even lighten it up with half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It’s a solid base recipe you can build on again and again.

It Makes Great Leftovers

This pasta reheats beautifully, making it a smart choice for meal prep or next-day lunches. The sauce stays creamy, the flavors deepen, and it’s just as good—if not better—the next day.

Health Benefits of this Creamy chicken pasta

A Balanced Meal in One Bowl

While this dish leans into indulgence with its creamy sauce, it still offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. You’ve got lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the pasta, and healthy fats from the olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Plus, sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated source of antioxidants and vitamins.

Lean Protein Keeps You Satisfied

The chicken breast is the protein star of this dish. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and helps keep you full and energized without feeling overly heavy. If you’re watching your fat intake, this is a great way to incorporate satisfying protein into your meal.

Tomatoes Add Antioxidant Power

Sun-dried tomatoes are more than just a flavor boost—they’re packed with nutrients. They’re rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant known for supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. Even in small amounts, they add a nutritional punch.

Moderate Portions for Comfort and Health

By using just the right amount of cream and cheese, this recipe finds a happy balance between indulgent and health-conscious. It’s rich and creamy, yes, but not overloaded. That means you can enjoy a comforting meal without feeling like you need a nap afterward.

Whole Ingredient Focus

This recipe relies on fresh, whole ingredients like garlic, onion, herbs, and quality chicken. There are no overly processed sauces or artificial add-ins—just good, honest food prepared simply. And when you cook at home, you control the salt, fat, and portion sizes, making it easier to align with your dietary goals.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Servings

• Yield: Serves 4 generous portions
  This dish is rich and filling, so a little goes a long way. If you’re serving with a side salad or bread, you could easily stretch it to serve 5 or even 6 smaller portions.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 530
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 420mg

Keep in mind that these numbers can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. If you’re following a specific nutrition plan, consider measuring out your portions and adjusting the cream or cheese to fit your needs.

Ingredients List of this Creamy chicken pasta

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for this dreamy creamy chicken pasta. Each one plays an important role, so here’s what to grab and why it matters.

Pasta Base

• 8 oz dried pasta – Penne, ziti, or rigatoni are perfect for holding the creamy sauce. These tubular shapes trap all that delicious goodness inside for maximum flavor in every bite.

Cooking Fats and Aromatics

• 1 tbsp olive oil – Used to sauté the onion and add a hint of richness.
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped – Adds a savory sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is a flavor powerhouse and brings warmth and aroma to the whole dish.
• 1 tbsp butter – Adds creaminess and helps develop flavor when cooking the chicken.

Protein

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – Chicken is lean, filling, and soaks up all the flavor from the seasonings and sauce.

Seasoning Blend (½ tsp each)

• Italian seasoning – Brings those classic herbaceous Italian flavors.
• Smoked paprika – Adds depth and a touch of smoky warmth.
• Red pepper flakes – For a subtle kick of heat.
• Garlic powder – Enhances the garlic flavor even more.
• Salt and pepper – To season the dish perfectly from start to finish.

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream – This is the base of the luxurious sauce. You can sub with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the cream gives it that decadent texture.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Preferably freshly grated for the best melt and flavor. It adds saltiness and umami richness.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – These sweet-tangy gems add contrast to the creamy sauce and a pop of color.

Garnish

• Fresh basil – A final touch of brightness and freshness. It wakes up the whole dish.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

This is where the magic happens. Follow along step-by-step and you’ll be serving up creamy chicken pasta like a pro in no time. I’ll include helpful tips and optional variations along the way.

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use enough water so the pasta has room to move around.
• Add your pasta of choice (penne, ziti, or rigatoni) and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Al dente means the pasta should still have a slight bite—this helps it hold up when tossed with the sauce.
• Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. This starchy water helps thin and bind the sauce later.
• Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

2. Sauté the Onion

• In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the onion to become soft and translucent. If it starts to brown too quickly, turn the heat down slightly.

3. Cook the Garlic and Chicken

• Add the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet with the onions. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
• Toss in the chicken pieces and sprinkle over your seasoning mix: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Stir everything together and sauté for 3–5 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on the outside and fully cooked through. You want golden edges for maximum flavor.
• Optional tip: If your skillet feels crowded, cook the chicken in two batches. This prevents steaming and encourages better browning.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Once your chicken is cooked through and golden on the edges, it’s time to build the sauce right in the same pan.
Lower the heat to medium and slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring as you go to incorporate the flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Next, add the ½ cup of reserved pasta water. This helps loosen up the sauce while the starches bind everything together, creating that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
Stir in the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt completely into the sauce. The cheese will thicken the mixture slightly and give it that salty, nutty depth.
Now add the ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Make sure they’re well distributed throughout the sauce. They’ll soften slightly as they warm and release even more of their intense, tangy-sweet flavor.
Simmer the sauce gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring often. You’ll notice it beginning to thicken. This is when you want to taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt if needed, a little black pepper for balance, or a touch more red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.

5. Toss It All Together
Now that your sauce is rich and silky, it’s time to reunite it with the pasta.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in that luxurious cream sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to really mix everything well so no noodle is left behind.
Let the pasta and sauce mingle for another 1–2 minutes over low heat, just to let the flavors come together. If the sauce looks too thick at this point, you can loosen it up with a splash more pasta water or even a drizzle of cream.

6. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined and the sauce is perfectly creamy, remove the pan from the heat.
Sprinkle torn or chopped fresh basil over the top for a burst of color and brightness.
Scoop generous portions into bowls and, if you like, add an extra grating of Parmesan on top. Serve hot and enjoy every cozy, creamy bite.

Optional Variations During Cooking
Add greens: Stir in a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale during the last minute of simmering.
Boost the protein: Add sautéed mushrooms or sliced turkey sausage alongside the chicken.
Make it extra cheesy: Mix in shredded mozzarella for added gooeyness.

How to Serve this Creamy chicken pasta

This creamy chicken pasta is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you’re plating it for a dinner party or spooning it into bowls for a casual night in, here are a few ideas to elevate the experience.

Serve it immediately while hot and creamy. The sauce is at its absolute best right off the stove, coating every piece of pasta perfectly. If you’re serving guests, bring the pan straight to the table family-style for a rustic, comforting feel.

Garnish matters. A few fresh basil leaves go a long way in adding freshness. You could also add a light sprinkle of chili flakes or lemon zest if you want to brighten things up.

Serve alongside crusty garlic bread. A warm piece of garlic bread or even a soft dinner roll is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate. No drop should go to waste.

Include a fresh side salad. A simple arugula or mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the sauce and balances the dish perfectly.

If you’re hosting or making this for a crowd, offer toppings at the table: extra Parmesan, cracked pepper, chili flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Want a heartier meal? Pair the pasta with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for added nutrition and texture.

Pairing Suggestions

When it comes to pairing this creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, you’ve got options that range from classic to creative. The key is to choose flavors that either complement the richness of the dish or contrast it with freshness or crunch.

Start with a salad that refreshes the palate. A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is a perfect choice, but a classic Caesar or cucumber and tomato salad also work beautifully.

Roasted vegetables make excellent sides. Think roasted carrots with thyme, crispy Brussels sprouts, or even roasted garlic broccoli. The earthy flavors pair well with the creaminess of the sauce.

For bread lovers, you can’t go wrong with warm garlic bread, focaccia, or a crusty French baguette. Toasted pita wedges with olive oil and za’atar also add a fun Middle Eastern twist that surprisingly works well with the creamy base.

If you’re keeping things halal and want a festive dinner option, pair this pasta with a side of grilled halal chicken skewers or turkey bacon-wrapped asparagus. They add protein and variety without clashing with the pasta.

For a kid-friendly combo, serve the pasta with buttered corn on the cob or soft dinner rolls and cut fruit like grapes or apple slices.

Beverage-wise, sparkling water with lemon or a cold glass of mango juice adds freshness. For something warm, mint tea or a spiced herbal tea pairs well too, especially if you enjoy sipping something cozy alongside your meal.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

This dish is just as much a winner the next day, which makes it a great option for meal prep, leftovers, or freezing a batch for future meals.

To store leftovers, place cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit in the fridge, but it will loosen up once reheated.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to the pasta in a skillet or microwave-safe bowl. Heat gently over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring often to prevent the sauce from separating. Add extra Parmesan while reheating if you’d like to bring back some of the creamy texture.

To freeze, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay them flat for easier storage. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with added liquid as needed.

If you want to freeze just the sauce (without pasta), that works well too. Make the sauce up to the point before adding the pasta, cool it, and store it in a container. This allows you to cook fresh pasta later for an even better texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta is one of the most common errors. Make sure to cook it just to al dente since it will continue cooking a bit in the hot sauce.

Using pre-grated Parmesan might seem convenient, but it doesn’t melt as smoothly and can cause clumps in the sauce. Always go for freshly grated cheese for the best results.

Skipping the pasta water might seem like a minor thing, but it makes a big difference. That starchy water helps create an emulsified, silky sauce.

Adding cream too fast or over high heat can cause it to separate. Always reduce the heat before adding the cream, and stir gently to prevent curdling.

Under-seasoning the chicken or sauce can result in a bland final dish. Taste often and adjust as you go. It’s much easier to build flavor than to fix a flat-tasting sauce after the fact.

Crowding the pan when cooking the chicken prevents browning and results in steaming instead. Cook in batches if necessary to keep things golden and flavorful.

Pro Tips

Use high-quality pasta and cheese. These two ingredients are key to the dish’s texture and flavor, so it’s worth the little extra investment.

Reserve more pasta water than you think you’ll need. Even if you don’t use it all, having it on hand allows you to tweak the consistency of the sauce until it’s just right.

Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks at the same rate and stays juicy. If you’re using thick chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness before slicing.

Don’t be afraid to let the sauce simmer a bit longer. It should thicken slightly and cling to the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, just keep it on low heat and stir until it thickens up.

Add your own twist to the dish by experimenting with different herbs like thyme or oregano, or even tossing in crushed olives, mushrooms, or spinach.

If you’re doubling the recipe, cook the chicken in two separate batches. This helps you maintain that beautiful golden crust and avoid soggy, steamed meat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes! You can easily swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. It won’t be quite the same, but the richness and flavor can still be delicious.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook the entire dish ahead, cool it, and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes. Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with added liquid.

How do I keep the sauce from separating when reheating?
Always reheat over low heat and stir in a little milk or cream to bring the sauce back together.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute with cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or simply omit them. However, the sun-dried tomatoes do add a wonderful tang.

Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less depending on your preference.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a great shortcut. Just sauté it briefly to warm it up before adding the sauce.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Definitely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your Parmesan and cream are also certified gluten-free.

How can I lighten the dish?
Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. Reduce the cheese slightly, and serve with a side of veggies for a balanced meal.

Conclusion & Call to Action

There you have it—your complete guide to making the creamiest, dreamiest chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s one of those dishes that you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy and full of flavor. Every bite is rich, satisfying, and just the right amount of indulgent.

What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can keep it simple, or you can dress it up. You can go light or go full comfort food. However you spin it, it always delivers. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t stress about perfection. This recipe is incredibly forgiving, and once you’ve made it once, you’ll see just how easy and delicious it can be.

I’d love to know how it turns out for you. Did you add your own twist? Try a different pasta shape? Make it spicier or keep it mild? Share your experience in the comments below or tag me on social media with your delicious results. Cooking is always better when we do it together—so let’s keep the good food going.

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