Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners. This rich and flavorful pasta recipe combines tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a restaurant-quality meal made easily at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture with bold Italian-inspired flavors
- Easy one-pan dinner with simple ingredients
- Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep
- Family-friendly and satisfying
- Loaded with parmesan cheese, tender chicken, and savory sun-dried tomatoes
- Delicious balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors
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
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 medium shallot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Drain 3 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar into a large skillet or pot with sides. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and set aside.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and cook for another minute. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the shallot, garlic, and remaining Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in 3 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, remaining parmesan cheese, spinach, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Return the cooked chicken and any juices to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Finish the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta with fresh lemon juice and extra parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Swap spinach for kale if preferred.
- Use penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for the best creamy texture.
- For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Fresh basil makes a wonderful garnish.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
FAQ
What pasta works best for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, and fusilli work best because they hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe reheats well and is perfect for meal prep.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream gives the richest texture, but half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter version.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I freeze creamy chicken pasta?
Yes, but cream sauces may slightly separate after thawing. Reheat gently while stirring.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Similar Recipes
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dinner recipe.Made with tender chicken, parmesan cheese, spinach, and creamy sauce.Perfect for easy weeknight meals and family dinners.
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
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 medium shallot chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Drain 3 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar into a large skillet or pot with sides. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and set aside.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and cook for another minute. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the shallot, garlic, and remaining Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in 3 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, remaining parmesan cheese, spinach, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Return the cooked chicken and any juices to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Finish the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta with fresh lemon juice and extra parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Fresh basil makes a wonderful garnish.
Conclusion
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is an easy and comforting dinner packed with bold flavors and creamy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or preparing meals for the week, this satisfying pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.