Zesty Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner Magic

When hunger strikes, nothing satisfies quite like a sun-dried tomato chicken pasta that delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in every single bite.

Tender chicken mingles with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, creating a symphony of rich, tangy notes.

Creamy sauce coats perfectly al dente pasta, bringing each ingredient into delightful harmony.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe rises to the challenge with minimal effort.

Herbs and garlic weave through the dish, adding depth and complexity that will make you swoon.

Packed with protein and bursting with taste, this pasta promises a quick and delectable meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Grab a fork and prepare to savor every remarkable mouthful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a hearty foundation, choose fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking and tender texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and creamy protein boost, select genuine aged Parmesan for authentic flavor.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Basil, Italian Seasoning: Mediterranean-inspired blend creating robust, tangy undertones with bright herbal notes.
• Garlic, Garlic Powder, Shallots: Aromatic foundation delivering complex, savory warmth and depth to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick that elevates overall taste profile with subtle heat.

• Cream Cheese, Whole Milk, Chicken Broth: Silky sauce base that creates luxurious, velvety texture and rich, comforting consistency.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy fat that helps blend ingredients and provides subtle fruity undertone.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and heightens all other flavors in the recipe.

• Baby Spinach: Tender green element adding nutritional boost and vibrant color to the pasta.
• Fusilli or Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta that captures sauce beautifully with its ridged or tubular shape.

Tools Required to Make This Pasta Dish

• Large Deep Skillet or Pot: Essential for cooking chicken, sautéing ingredients, and preparing the entire pasta dish.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients, scraping pan bottoms, and mixing everything smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and preparing fresh basil.
• Sharp Kitchen Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation and chopping.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure olive oil, seasonings, and spices.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Plate: Temporary holding spot for cooked chicken before final incorporation.

Cooking Instructions for Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Sizzle

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and sprinkle with seasonings. Cook until golden and fully done, then set aside on a separate plate.

• Flavor Builders

Sauté shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic in the same pan until fragrant and slightly softened.

• Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pan, scraping up delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let the mixture bubble and dance.

• Pasta Transformation

Add pasta to the broth, reducing heat. Stir occasionally while pasta absorbs the rich liquid and becomes perfectly tender.

• Green Touch

Toss fresh spinach into the pan during the final cooking moments, allowing it to gently wilt and blend with the other ingredients.

• Creamy Finish

Melt cream cheese and Parmesan into the mixture, creating a silky smooth sauce that hugs every pasta curve.

• Final Symphony

Return chicken to the pan, stirring in a splash of milk. Let everything simmer together, developing deep, comforting flavors.

• Serving Elegance

Plate the pasta, crowning it with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Flavor Additions for Your Chicken Pasta

• Swap regular sun-dried tomatoes with smoked or fire-roasted varieties for an extra depth of smoky flavor that transforms the entire dish.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu for a delightful protein alternative that keeps the meal exciting and versatile.
• Kick up the heat by adding extra red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a spicy Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Toss in roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or zucchini during the cooking process to increase vegetable content and create a more nutritious meal with added texture and color.
• Store remaining pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, gently reheating with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out during reheating.

How to Serve Tomato Pasta for Guests

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta as a hearty main course for a warm family gathering, perfect for bringing everyone together around the dinner table.
• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Plate the pasta in a large white serving dish, garnish with extra basil and Parmesan, and pair with a crisp white wine to elevate your dinner party experience.
• Meal Prep Champion: Package individual portions in sealed containers for convenient work or school lunches, ensuring a delicious and satisfying midday meal that reheats beautifully without losing flavor or texture.
• Rustic Side Companion: Complement the pasta with a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or roasted garlic bread to create a complete and balanced dining experience that satisfies multiple taste preferences.

Storage Guide for Tomato Chicken Leftovers

• Refrigeration Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce might thicken, so gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore its original consistency.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
• Meal Prep Brilliance: Prepare the chicken and chop ingredients in advance to streamline cooking. Separate wet and dry components to maintain texture when assembling later in the week. Keep spinach and fresh herbs separate until the final serving to prevent wilting.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm individual portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small amount of chicken broth or milk to revive the sauce's creamy texture. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even heating throughout the dish.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired sun-dried tomato chicken pasta delivers a rich, creamy experience with complex flavors from Italy. Robust ingredients and simple preparation make this dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners you can savor with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 oz (57 g) low-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• ¼ cup (25 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 8 oz (227 g) uncooked fusilli or penne pasta
• 2 cups (60 g) packed baby spinach
• ½ cup (80 g) diced shallots
• ⅓ cup (50 g) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 2 ½ cups (600 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear Chicken: Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, positioning chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook 6-8 minutes until golden and fully cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Aromatics Development: In the same skillet, sauté shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and crushed garlic for 2 minutes, creating a fragrant base while capturing residual cooking essences.
3. Liquid Integration: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, meticulously scraping browned bits to enhance sauce complexity. Add pasta, reducing heat to medium and stirring frequently to prevent adherence, cooking 15-20 minutes until perfectly al dente.
4. Finishing Touches: Incorporate spinach during the final cooking minute, allowing gentle wilting. Blend cream cheese and Parmesan until sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Reintroduce chicken, splash milk, and simmer 3-5 minutes to harmonize flavors and achieve desired sauce consistency.
5. Presentation: Conduct final seasoning adjustment, garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Chicken Searing Tip: Ensure chicken pieces are dry and at room temperature before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and lock in maximum flavor.
• Pasta Cooking Technique: Stir pasta frequently and monitor liquid levels to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, creating a restaurant-quality texture.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Add cream cheese and Parmesan gradually while stirring continuously to prevent clumping and create a smooth, silky sauce.
• Flavor Boosting Trick: Allow the skillet to retain browned bits from chicken cooking, as these caramelized remnants provide intense depth and richness to the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg