Print

Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A quick and easy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe featuring tender chicken breasts, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and the rich tang of sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful and comforting dish is versatile and customizable, making it a family favorite that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables & Flavorings

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Pasta & Dairy

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Begin by boiling salted water and cooking your chosen pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to release their rich flavor.
  4. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the cream to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine and serve: Return sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat well. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Finish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Use quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor and softer texture.
  • Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for better melting and fresher taste.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy dinner, Italian pasta, weeknight meal