Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Pasta – A Quick Weeknight Favorite

Easy Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta for Busy Nights

When everyone’s hungry and you need dinner fast, this creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta saves the night. It’s rich, comforting, and comes together in under 30 minutes while your pasta boils and the chicken simmers in that velvety, sun-dried tomato cream sauce. You get all the cozy, restaurant-style flavor — without spending your whole evening in the kitchen.

The Inspiration Behind This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

This dish was born out of one of those busy weeknights where I needed something quick but satisfying. My kids love creamy pasta dishes, and this one has become an instant favorite. It feels fancy, but it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have; chicken, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta. It’s the kind of dinner that looks impressive but only takes a few easy steps.

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This was inspired by my 30 Minute Recipes , and pairs well with this Easy Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad.

Ingredients for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken and Pasta

You’ll only need a few simple pantry staples to make this creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta weeknight dinner come together fast:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips and lightly pounded)
• Olive oil (for searing)
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (to season the chicken)
• Garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• Chicken broth
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Pasta (any shape works)
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make This Quick Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Here’s a quick overview of how this creamy chicken pasta recipe comes together before diving in. It’s a simple sequence that makes the dish taste like you spent all night in the kitchen.

1. Step 1: Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the seasoned chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside. all spices into a large bowl and combine thoroughly with mixture

2. Step 2: Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and creamy.

3. Step 3: Simmer the Chicken: Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for several minutes to let it tenderize and soak in the flavor.

4. Step 4: Add the Pasta: Remove the chicken (optional for easier mixing), toss in the cooked pasta, coat with the creamy sauce, and then top with the chicken and a sprinkle of parsley.

Hint: If your sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it while keeping the creaminess.

Substitutions for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

This easy creamy sun dried tomato chicken recipe is flexible and forgiving — here’s how you can make it your own:

• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan.
• Gluten-free: Swap in gluten-free pasta.
• Lighten it up: Substitute half the cream with milk or use Greek yogurt for extra protein.

Variations for Easy Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

If you love this one-pan sun dried tomato chicken and pasta, here are a few fun ways to switch it up:

• Add spinach: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach for color and nutrients.
• Use shrimp instead of chicken: For a lighter, seafood twist.
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper or cayenne to taste.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy — just a few kitchen basics to bring this quick sun dried tomato chicken pasta recipe together:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Medium pot for pasta
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Store Leftovers

This creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

• To reheat: add a splash of milk or broth and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to bring back the creaminess.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQ – Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken and Pasta

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These are my favorite dishes to serve with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Pasta:

Lindsay Lehrer

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Pasta

A quick, flavorful weeknight dinner with tender seared chicken strips, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta; all made in one pan.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner, Weeknight Dinner

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips and lightly pounded
• 1-2 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (to season chicken)
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese save about ¼ cup to top when done cooking
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 12 oz pasta penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape
• 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Large pot
• Colander
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Generously season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sear until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and ½ cup grated parmesan. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
4. Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 5–8 minutes until tender and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken (optional for easier mixing), toss in the cooked pasta, and stir until fully coated.
6. Top with the chicken, sprinkle with remaining parmesan and parsley, and serve warm.

Video

Notes

• You can adjust the sauce thickness by adding a splash of pasta water or broth.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan for an extra creamy finish
• Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• To make dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan cheese.
• Sauce will thicken as it cools — loosen with milk or broth when reheating.