Go Back Email Link
Close-up of creamy sun-dried tomato chicken and pasta topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
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
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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.