If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels gourmet but comes together with ease, this One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is here to win your heart and your weeknight dinner plans. Imagine tender pieces of chicken mingling with sweet, tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a rich and creamy sauce, all coating perfectly cooked pasta without a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet homey, elegant yet simple, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in my kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe stands on wholesome, vibrant ingredients that each add their own special touch—whether it’s the savory punch from garlic or the silky texture from heavy cream. Keep things straightforward, but make sure your ingredients are fresh and quality for the best results.
- Olive oil: Provides a fruity base that helps brown the chicken beautifully without sticking.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean protein that cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with creamy pasta.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory depth that brightens the entire dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Infuse tangy sweetness and a concentrated tomato flavor, making the sauce unique and vibrant.
- Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the pasta tender and the sauce rich.
- Heavy cream: Gives the dish its signature creamy, velvety texture.
- Penne or short pasta: Holds the sauce well and cooks evenly in one pot.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an aromatic uplift and rounds out the flavors.
- Baby spinach (optional): A burst of color and nutrition, wilting quickly to add freshness and balance.
- Chopped fresh basil: Offers a fragrant, herbal garnish that makes every bite pop.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot oil and cook until gorgeous golden-brown crusts form and the chicken is cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step gives your chicken that savory sear everyone loves. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, it will reunite with the sauce soon!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Using the same pot, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté just briefly for about a minute until the garlic releases its aromatic magic and the tomatoes soften slightly. This infuses the base of your sauce with a lovely, rich flavor that starts to build the character of the dish.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Then add uncooked pasta and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the convenience shines: your pasta will cook directly in this luscious liquid, soaking up all those incredible flavors. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta becomes tender and the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 4: Stir in Chicken, Cheese, and Spinach
Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the Parmesan cheese and baby spinach if you’re using it. Stir everything together, letting the spinach wilt and the cheese melt into the creamy sauce. This final step makes the dish irresistibly rich, colorful, and wholesome.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh basil over your pasta. The fresh herb brightens the creamy, savory notes and makes your dish visually inviting. Serve hot straight from the pot, savoring every creamy, flavorful bite.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the fresh basil, consider a light dusting of extra Parmesan or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a bit of heat. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few toasted pine nuts can also offer a surprising textural contrast that raises the dish.
Side Dishes
This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through some creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread also star as perfect partners, ready to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, add a fresh crunch and keep your meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta dish in shallow bowls for an elegant dinner party feel. You can also present it family-style in the pot or a large serving dish so everyone can help themselves. For extra flair, top each portion with a grilled lemon wedge to squeeze over the top, adding a lovely citrus brightness that complements the rich sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely, but the pasta may absorb more liquid and thicken, so expect a slightly denser texture after chilling.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to leave out the fresh spinach and basil, adding them fresh when reheating for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir frequently to warm evenly and preserve that creamy consistency you fell in love with originally.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or short pasta works best for this recipe due to their shape and size, feel free to substitute with fusilli, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it can vary slightly by pasta type.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can make a dairy-free version by swapping heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream or a plant-based cream, and using a vegan Parmesan alternative. The sun-dried tomatoes and seasoning still pack tons of flavor to keep it delicious.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Baby spinach is a great option and wilts easily, but you can also add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini sautéed with the garlic and tomatoes to boost the veggie content without losing the creamy vibe.
How spicy is the dish?
This One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is mild by default, but you can easily spice it up with red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne when sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you can substitute with oven-roasted tomatoes or even chopped roasted red peppers, but the unique tangy sweetness that sun-dried tomatoes offer is worth trying to keep for an authentic flavor.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a gem—quick enough for busy weeknights, comforting enough to feel like a special treat, and versatile enough to make your own. Once you try it, I promise it will become a staple in your dinner rotation, ready to impress both family and friends with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. So grab your skillet, gather those ingredients, and cozy up to a bowl of pure satisfaction tonight!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delicious One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan sauce all cooked together in a single skillet for an easy, satisfying Italian-American weeknight meal. The dish is rich, creamy, and perfect for busy evenings when you want a comforting homemade dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne or short pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked pasta and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Simmer and cook pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors in the sauce.
- Combine chicken, cheese, and spinach: Stir the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach if using. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and adds a fresh touch to the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve hot for a comforting and flavorful pasta dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add mushrooms or red pepper flakes for extra depth and a touch of spice.
- This recipe is adaptable with gluten-free pasta; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
