If you’re looking for a pasta dinner that feels comforting but still a little elevated, this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is the perfect recipe. Tender pasta is coated in a rich, velvety cream sauce filled with garlic, parmesan, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s then finished with perfectly seared seasoned chicken that adds incredible flavor and texture to the dish.
One of the most important steps in this recipe is searing the chicken first. Allowing the chicken to develop a golden crust creates flavorful browned bits in the pan that become the base of the sauce. Those bits add a deep savory flavor that really elevates the entire dish.
This pasta comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner but tastes like something you would order at a restaurant.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Description
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is a rich and comforting dish that comes together easily for a weeknight meal. The sauce is made with garlic, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, fresh cherry tomatoes, cream, and parmesan, creating a silky, flavorful sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Perfectly seared seasoned chicken can be added for extra protein, but the pasta is just as delicious served on its own. It’s a simple, satisfying dinner that feels elevated but is easy enough to make any night of the week.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can help loosen the sauce later if needed.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
-
Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. This helps them develop a better crust when searing.
Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
-
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets to the pan. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for about 4–5 minutes so it can develop a golden brown crust.
Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Do not wipe out the skillet—those browned bits left in the pan will add flavor to the sauce.
-
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and allow them to cook for another minute to release their flavor.
Next, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften and slightly burst.
-
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the flavorful browned bits from the chicken.
Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, stir in the grated parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta becomes evenly coated.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
-
Add the chicken back into the skillet and gently mix it into the pasta. Allow everything to cook together for another 1–2 minutes so the chicken absorbs some of the sauce.
-
Serve the pasta warm and finish with extra parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
The result is a creamy, savory pasta dish with bursts of sweet tomato flavor and tender pieces of seared chicken in every bite.
Note
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Because the sauce contains cream, it will naturally thicken as it sits in the fridge.
Reheating the Pasta
When reheating, add a small splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Warm the pasta over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. This helps bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
Keeping the Sauce Creamy
For the best creamy texture, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese. Fresh parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce and prevents a grainy texture.
Use Pasta Water if Needed
If the sauce becomes too thick after adding the pasta, stir in a small amount of reserved pasta water. The starch in the water helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Sun-Dried Tomato Tip
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work best for this recipe because they are softer and add extra flavor to the sauce.
Chicken is Optional
The seared chicken adds protein and extra flavor, but the pasta is just as delicious served on its own for a simple vegetarian-friendly dish.
