If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe. Tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and a silky cream sauce come together in one irresistible meal. This easy chicken pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy Parmesan sauce
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Easy one-pot style cooking
• Family-friendly and satisfying
• Loaded with juicy chicken and fresh spinach
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 medium shallot, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 pound short-cut pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh Parmesan, for serving

Instructions

1. Drain about 3 tablespoons of oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes into a large skillet or Dutch oven. Chop the tomatoes and set them aside.
2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Stir in ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and cook for another minute. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the shallot, garlic, and remaining Italian seasoning. Cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour in 3½ cups water and bring to a boil.
6. Add the pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until al dente, about 8 minutes.
7. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, remaining Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
8. Return the cooked chicken and its juices to the skillet. Stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce and the spinach has wilted.
9. Finish with fresh lemon juice and extra Parmesan before serving.

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta tastes even better after sitting for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
• Smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor.
• Add mushrooms for extra texture.
• Replace spinach with kale if preferred.
• Reserve a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
• Grilled chicken also works well in this recipe.

Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Category: Main Course

Method: Stovetop

Cuisine: Italian-American

Difficulty: Easy

Dietary Notes: Nut-Free, Halal-Friendly

Notes

• Fresh basil makes an excellent garnish.
• Add roasted broccoli or asparagus for more vegetables.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the creamy sauce.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 675
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 37g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 540mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.

What pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, rotini, or shells all work well.

Can I freeze Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta?

Yes, although cream sauces may separate slightly after thawing. Stir well while reheating.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely. Boneless skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes. Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Similar Recipes

• Chicken Shawarma with Lemon Rice
• Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks with Chipotle Sauce

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a rich and satisfying 30-minute dinner featuring juicy chicken, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 1 8-ounce jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
• 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 medium shallot chopped
• 2 garlic cloves chopped
• 1 pound short-cut pasta penne, rigatoni, or rotini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

 

• Drain about 3 tablespoons of oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes into a large skillet or Dutch oven. Finely chop the tomatoes and set them aside.
• Heat the reserved oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.
• Sprinkle in ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for another minute. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the chopped shallot, garlic, and the remaining Italian seasoning. Cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in 3½ cups of water and bring to a boil.
• Stir in the pasta and cook, stirring often, until al dente, about 8 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, remaining Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach.
• Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce and the spinach has wilted.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, stir gently, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Fresh basil makes an excellent garnish.
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus pairs beautifully with this pasta.
• Substitute kale for spinach if desired.
• Add extra Parmesan for an even richer sauce.
• A crisp green salad and garlic bread make perfect side dishes

Conclusion

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a delicious combination of juicy chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests, this creamy chicken pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients. It’s a comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again.