Name: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta (cooked and drained according to package instructions); 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian blend seasoning (or Herbs de Provence); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 3 ounces sun dried tomatoes packed in oil (drained and patted dry with a paper towel); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 ½ cups heavy cream or half and half; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor and coated in a luscious sauce, you’re in for a treat! This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s both elegant and easy enough to whip up any night of the week. The sun dried tomatoes bring a tangy, intense sweetness that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and that dreamy cream sauce. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Amazing Flavor: The sun dried tomatoes infuse every bite with a rich, tangy depth you won’t get from fresh tomatoes.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup — pasta cooks separately, but sauce and chicken all come together in one pan.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dish, and I bet yours will too.

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy pasta made of penne noodles coated in a pale orange sauce. The pasta is mixed with small pieces of light brown cooked meat and bits of sun-dried tomatoes adding deep red color scattered throughout. On top, there is a light sprinkle of grated cheese and small green herb leaves. A silver fork rests on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a black pan with more pasta is visible in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in simple, quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. I always make sure to grab good sun dried tomatoes packed in oil as they add that perfect burst of flavor.

Penne Pasta: I love penne because it holds the creamy sauce in its tubes—makes every bite deliciously coated.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cutting them into 1-inch pieces helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
Olive Oil: Adds subtle fruitiness and helps sear the chicken perfectly.
Butter: For richness in the sauce and helps mellow the garlic flavor.
Minced Garlic: Essential for that aromatic backbone in the sauce.
Italian Blend Seasoning: I use Herbs de Provence as a twist for a deeper herb flavor.
Sun Dried Tomatoes (in oil): Packed with intense umami, I pat them dry just a bit to avoid too much oil in the sauce.
Chicken Broth: Gives the sauce a light savory base that’s not overpowering.
Heavy Cream or Half and Half: For that velvety, luscious sauce; heavy cream makes it richer, half and half works in a pinch for a lighter option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key—it melts beautifully into the sauce adding a salty tang.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is. Feel free to add your personal twist—you might be surprised how just a small change can elevate the dish even more.

Add Spinach or Kale: I often stir in fresh baby spinach near the end for a boost of color and nutrition without changing the flavor too much.
Use Different Pasta Shapes: Fusilli or farfalle work wonderfully if penne isn’t on hand—you’ll enjoy the way they trap the sauce too.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream and skip the parmesan to make it vegan-friendly; it still turns out creamy and delicious.
Extra Heat: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic if you like a little kick—as I do sometimes!

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling salted water and cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. You don’t want it overly soft since it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Once done, drain and set aside. I usually reserve a bit of the pasta water just in case I want to loosen the sauce later—it’s a handy trick.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Pieces

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Then, add them to the pan in a single layer and cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan; you want some nice searing for flavor. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Lower the heat slightly and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then stir in the sun dried tomatoes and sauté for another minute, letting their tanginess infuse the butter and garlic.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes silky and starts to thicken. Keep the heat medium-low so it doesn’t boil too aggressively.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken in the Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in that dreamy creamy sauce. If it seems a little thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 6: Final Taste and Serve

Give the pasta a taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Once everything is heated through and perfectly coated, it’s ready to plate. I love serving mine immediately while it’s warm and saucy for the full experience.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keeping chicken pieces bite-sized helps them cook quickly and stay juicy—avoid drying them out by cooking just until golden.
Use Oil-Packed Sun Dried Tomatoes: These have the best flavor and texture; if using dry ones, be sure to rehydrate them well before cooking.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water can thin the sauce without watering down flavor, so keep some handy.
Don’t Boil the Cream: Simmer gently when adding cream to avoid curdling and keep that silky texture.

How to Serve Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white bowl holds a creamy pasta dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is short, tube-shaped penne pasta in a light orange cream sauce; the middle layer includes chunks of light brown cooked chicken mixed with the pasta; the top layer has small pieces of sun-dried red tomatoes scattered over the dish and a light sprinkle of grated cheese and black pepper on top. A silver fork rests inside the bowl, partially under some pasta. The background and surface are white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally love finishing the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness that balances the rich sauce. A little extra grated parmesan on top never hurts, either—makes it feel like a restaurant dish!

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus for a simple, elegant meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes a perfect companion to mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls layered with fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil. You could also try baking it in a casserole dish topped with extra parmesan and breadcrumbs for a golden crust—turns out amazing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. The pasta soaks up the sauce after a while, so I recommend adding a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, I find the texture of cream-based sauces can change a bit. If you do freeze it, make sure it’s in a tightly sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a little extra broth to refresh the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat so the sauce doesn’t separate. Stir often and add a splash of cream, milk, or broth if it looks too thick. The microwave works in a pinch—just heat in short intervals and stir between to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, and they work wonderfully in this creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

You can use half and half for a lighter sauce, or even whole milk combined with a bit of flour to thicken. For dairy-free options, unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream work well, though the flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating?

Keep the heat on medium-low when adding and simmering the cream. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously, and stir frequently. Adding cheese gradually also helps the sauce stay smooth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of penne, and make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free (most are, but it’s good to check labels.) The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Yes! Swap heavy cream for half and half or Greek yogurt (added off heat to avoid curdling). Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for extra fiber and protein. Adding veggies like spinach or zucchini can also boost nutrition without sacrificing taste.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe brings a touch of elegance to an everyday dinner without a ton of fuss. The first time I made it, my family lined up for seconds, and I’ve been serving it ever since whenever I want that perfect combo of rich, tangy, and comforting. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and that incredible sun dried tomato flavor as much as I do. It’s one of those simple recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate!