Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, from Grill Drip, and I am SO excited to welcome you into my kitchen! Are you ready to turn everyday meals into something absolutely extraordinary?
I have been on a mission to take classic comfort food recipes and inject them with some seriously bold flavors. And this sun dried tomato chicken pasta? It’s a total winner! It all started with a late-night craving, a fridge full of random ingredients, and a serious desire to create something mouthwatering.
What came out of that delicious kitchen experiment? A sun dried tomato chicken pasta dish that has become an absolute staple in my house! The happy accident of combining creamy sauce, tangy sun dried tomatoes, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta was pure genius.
My friends and family go absolutely wild for this sun dried tomato chicken pasta! I’m talking happy dances, requests for seconds (and thirds!), and constant demands for the recipe. Seriously, it’s that good.
This isn’t your average pasta dish, folks. We’re talking about layers of flavors that come together in perfect harmony. I’m talking about a sun dried tomato chicken pasta that’s so good, it’ll make you wanna do a little jig right in your kitchen!
Ready to create some delicious magic? Let’s make some sun dried tomato chicken pasta that will blow your mind and become your new weeknight go-to! I can’t wait to share this flavor adventure with you!
INGREDIENTS You Need
Alright, let’s gather up all the goodies we need to create this amazing sun dried tomato chicken pasta! Don’t worry, most of these are regular grocery store finds! This ingredient list is all about layering flavors that complement each other perfectly.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound pasta (I love penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a kick!
No worries if you don’t have fresh basil on hand! I use dried basil all the time in my sun dried tomato chicken pasta, and it still tastes incredible. Just use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil instead.
This sun dried tomato chicken pasta gets its amazing taste from the sun dried tomatoes, of course! I always buy the oil-packed ones because they have so much more flavor. Make sure to drain them well before using.
For busy weeknights, I like to prep the chicken and garlic ahead of time. That way, when I’m ready to cook, everything is ready to go. Another thing you can do is to buy pre-cut chicken.
I love adding extra Parmesan to my sun dried tomato chicken pasta for that extra cheesy goodness! Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
Store any leftover sun dried tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for a couple of weeks! They’re so good in salads and sandwiches too!
This sun dried tomato chicken pasta ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Ready to make some magic? Let’s go!
Let’s Make Some!
Okay, fellow food lovers, let’s get down to business and make some sun dried tomato chicken pasta! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. I always add a pinch of salt to the boiling water to season the pasta. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink inside and is lightly browned on the outside. This is where the magic starts happening! In my kitchen, this sun dried tomato chicken pasta usually takes about 15-20 minutes to cook, from start to finish.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic has a bitter flavor.
- Stir in the sun dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Your sun dried tomato chicken pasta should smell absolutely incredible right now. I love the aroma of garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese!
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Don’t worry if your sun dried tomato chicken pasta looks a little watery at this point, it will thicken up as it simmers.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and spinach and toss to coat. Cook for another minute or two, until the spinach has wilted and the pasta is heated through. I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this point for a little extra heat!
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This is my favorite part of making sun dried tomato chicken pasta – watch the magic happen!
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy your delicious sun dried tomato chicken pasta!
While your sun dried tomato chicken pasta is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! You’re gonna love how this turns out. I promise!
This sun dried tomato chicken pasta recipe is so versatile. You can easily add other vegetables, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. I’ve even added a can of diced tomatoes before, and it was delicious!
How to Serve Up This!
Okay, so you’ve made this incredible sun dried tomato chicken pasta, now what? Let’s talk about how to serve it up and make it a meal to remember!
People literally do happy dances when this sun dried tomato chicken pasta hits the table with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
This sun dried tomato chicken pasta is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! I also love serving it at potlucks and casual get-togethers. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
For a bold flavor pairing, try serving this pasta with a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery arugula and tangy dressing will cut through the richness of the pasta perfectly.
If you want to get fancy, you can plate the pasta in individual bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Presentation is everything!
Got leftovers? Don’t throw them away! This sun dried tomato chicken pasta is just as good the next day. You can also use the leftovers to make a delicious pasta bake. Just toss the pasta with some extra cheese and bake in a preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown.
For a fusion variation, try adding a dollop of ricotta cheese on top of each serving. The creamy ricotta adds a wonderful texture and flavor contrast to the pasta.
My friends and family always rave about this sun dried tomato chicken pasta when I serve it. They love the combination of flavors and the creamy texture. It’s a guaranteed hit!
For another flavor dimension, consider this similar recipe with creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta to give a spicy kick!
FAQs:
Alright, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about this sun dried tomato chicken pasta recipe! I want to make sure you feel confident and ready to create some delicious magic in your kitchen.
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this sun dried tomato chicken pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe is super easy to follow, and I’ve broken it down into simple steps. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll be able to make this sun dried tomato chicken pasta like a pro!
What if I mess up my sun dried tomato chicken pasta? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Don’t worry about making mistakes! Cooking is all about experimenting and learning. Even if you overcook the pasta or add too much salt, the sun dried tomato chicken pasta will still be delicious. Trust me!
How can I prep this sun dried tomato chicken pasta for busy weeknights?
Great question! You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the chicken, mince the garlic, and measure out the spices. Store everything in separate containers in the fridge, and you’ll be ready to cook in no time.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! Feel free to use any type of pasta you like. Penne, rotini, and farfalle are my favorites, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rigatoni would work well too. This can be considered a sun dried tomato pesto chicken pasta dish, if you use that type of pasta!
What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I use milk instead?
You can use milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy. If you use milk, I recommend adding a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.
Can I make this sun dried tomato chicken pasta vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add some extra vegetables, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add some chickpeas or white beans for added protein. This is where sun dried tomato pasta with chicken and spinach comes into play!
My sun dried tomato chicken pasta sauce is too thick! What should I do?
Just add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or milk.
Here’s another flavor experiment I had with a parmesan dish, check out parmesan-chicken-pasta if you want to explore more options!
CONCLUSION:
This sun dried tomato chicken pasta brings me so much joy because it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm and cozy inside. This easy to make, feel good dish is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!
Here are my sun dried tomato chicken pasta Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. I’ve used mozzarella, provolone, and even goat cheese in this recipe, and they all taste amazing.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme for added flavor and visual appeal.
Here are some delicious sun dried tomato chicken pasta variations I’ve tested:
- Spicy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
- Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Artichokes: Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
- Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta with Pesto: Stir in a spoonful of pesto at the end for a burst of fresh, herbal flavor.
I love the spicy version for game nights, the creamy version for cozy winter dinners, and the pesto version for summer picnics.
Remember, fellow food lovers, trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of this sun dried tomato chicken pasta.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and create some delicious magic in your kitchen! I know you’re going to love it! You can learn more about a quick one pot recipe like this easy sun dried tomato chicken pasta recipe at One Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Chicken.
Check out these other similar recipes, like the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. – Half Baked Harvest!
This recipe may be similar to Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe – Pinch of Yum, so you can explore that option for a chicken pasta sun dried tomatoes parmesan inspired dish!
Now go forth and make some sun dried tomato chicken pasta! You got this! Let me know how it turns out! 🔥💕🍕
sun dried tomato chicken pasta
This Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor. Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Stir in fresh basil.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for serving.