Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Welcome to a culinary journey that promises to elevate your weeknight dinners and impress at any gathering. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a symphony of robust flavors, creamy textures, and tender chicken, all coming together in under 30 minutes. Introducing the incredibly satisfying **Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta** – a recipe designed for both the busy home cook and the discerning palate. Forget complicated techniques and expensive ingredients; this delightful chicken penne pasta is your ticket to a gourmet experience using budget-friendly staples you likely already have on hand. Once you taste the rich, savory blend of sun-dried tomatoes, succulent chicken, and a luscious cream sauce, it’s destined to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or need a show-stopping dish for a potluck, this creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is guaranteed to be a sensational success. It’s packed with high-quality protein, coated in an unbelievably rich and flavorful sauce, and offers a comforting warmth that makes it perfect for any season. Prepare to be amazed by how such a simple recipe can yield such an exquisite taste. Its vibrant colors and inviting aroma alone are enough to draw everyone to the table, making mealtime a joy rather than a chore.

Craving more incredibly satisfying pasta dishes that are both easy and delicious? Be sure to explore my Baked Feta Pasta for a viral sensation that lives up to its hype, or dive into the bold flavors of my Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese. Both recipes offer unique profiles, are remarkably straightforward to prepare, and can be on your table in 35 minutes or less, making them ideal companions for those demanding weeknights.

Why You’ll Adore This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

This recipe isn’t just quick and easy; it’s a culinary triumph designed to make your life simpler and your meals more delicious. Here’s why this creamy chicken pasta will quickly become a household favorite:

• Unbelievably Fast: From your pantry to the dinner table in a mere 30 minutes! This dish is a lifesaver on those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a homemade, hearty meal. Its efficiency makes it perfect for busy professionals, parents, or anyone looking to minimize kitchen time without sacrificing flavor.
• Superior to Takeout: Say goodbye to soggy, lukewarm delivery. Creamy sauces, especially, lose their magic during transport. Enjoying this pasta fresh off the stove means experiencing its peak creaminess, vibrant flavors, and perfect texture. You’ll savor every bite of this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home, often for a fraction of the cost.
• A Guaranteed Family Favorite: This is one of those rare dishes that appeals to almost everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts. The rich, savory sauce, tender chicken, and familiar comfort of pasta create a harmonious blend that’s universally loved. It’s a go-to recipe for gatherings, celebrations, or simply making sure everyone at the dinner table leaves satisfied and smiling.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Despite its luxurious taste, this pasta relies on readily available and affordable ingredients. Chicken, pasta, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes are common pantry staples, making this a cost-effective choice for feeding your family without compromising on quality or flavor.
• Customizable Comfort: This recipe serves as an excellent base for customization. Easily add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or experiment with different herbs and cheeses to make it uniquely yours. It adapts beautifully to personal preferences and dietary needs, ensuring everyone gets exactly what they love.

What You’ll Need: Key Ingredients for This Flavorful Dish

Crafting the perfect Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s signature rich, savory, and comforting profile. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Penne Pasta: While the recipe calls for penne, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape like farfalle, ziti, rigatoni, or even a whole-grain option for added fiber. The tubular shape of penne is excellent for capturing the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: A light-tasting olive oil is perfect for searing the chicken, providing a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Chicken Tenderloins: Cubed into bite-sized pieces, chicken tenderloins cook quickly and remain incredibly tender. Chicken breasts or thighs can also be used, cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
• Essential Seasonings: A blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a foundational flavor for the chicken, ensuring it’s well-seasoned from the start.
• Heavy Cream: This is the heart of our creamy sauce, providing luxurious richness and a silky smooth texture. There’s no substitute for heavy cream here if you want that authentic indulgence.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for a low-sodium chicken broth to control the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing you to season to taste. It helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding depth of flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (in oil): These intensely flavorful tomatoes are the star! Using those packed in oil adds an extra layer of richness. Drain them well before adding. Their concentrated sweetness and tang are indispensable.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for aromatic depth. Don’t skimp on this; it builds the base of the sauce’s savory profile.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth and contributes to the sauce’s creaminess. Freshly grated is always best for superior flavor and meltability.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped and packed, fresh basil brightens the dish with its aromatic, slightly peppery notes. It’s best added at the end for maximum freshness.
• Cayenne Pepper or Chili Flakes (Optional): For those who appreciate a gentle kick, a touch of cayenne or chili flakes can add a wonderful warmth that complements the richness of the cream and tang of the tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Follow these simple steps to create a truly irresistible Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta that’s bursting with flavor:

• 1. Cook the Pasta to Perfection: Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente – tender with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This reserved water can be used later to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
• 2. Prepare and Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, pat your cubed chicken tenderloins dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the seasoning mixture: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Ensure each piece is evenly coated, which helps build a flavorful crust when seared.
• 3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

• 4. Build the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean it – those browned bits add extra flavor!), add the drained sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes have softened slightly. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining salt, onion powder, black pepper, and the optional cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a touch of heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, and allow it to thicken for a few minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.

• 5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and the chopped fresh basil. Stir everything together gently until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce and the chicken is fully integrated. Cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat for an additional few minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb some of the incredible flavors of the sauce, making it even more delectable. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
• 6. Serve Immediately: Transfer the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta to individual plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with more chopped fresh basil and extra shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired, for an appealing presentation and an extra burst of flavor. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Recipe Variations & Customizations

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is wonderfully versatile. Don’t hesitate to get creative and adapt it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand:

• Pasta Power: While penne is excellent, virtually any pasta shape will work beautifully! Experiment with farfalle (bow-tie pasta) for a fun twist, ziti or rigatoni for heartier bites, or even spaghetti or fettuccine for a more traditional creamy pasta experience. Whole-grain pasta can also be used for a healthier option.
• Herb Alternatives: Fresh basil adds a vibrant, fragrant touch, but if you don’t have it, dried basil can be a suitable substitute. Remember the general rule: for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. Other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano would also be delicious.
• Chicken Swaps: Chicken tenderloins are great for quick cooking, but chicken thighs or breasts work just as well. Simply cut them into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook through at the same rate. For an even quicker meal, consider using leftover rotisserie chicken; just shred and add it in with the sauce at the end to warm through.
• Protein Play: Not in the mood for chicken? This recipe is incredibly adaptable to other proteins. Try sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist, browned turkey sausage for a savory depth, or even sliced mushrooms and chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Veggie Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and add more color by incorporating extra vegetables. Sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus spears would all be fantastic additions. Stir them in when you’re making the sauce or with the chicken.
• Spice It Up or Tone It Down: If you love heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. For a milder version, simply omit them.
• Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is classic, a blend of Italian cheeses, a touch of Pecorino Romano, or even a creamy mascarpone can add different layers of flavor to your sauce.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Creamy Pasta

Achieving a truly exceptional pasta dish often comes down to a few key techniques and considerations. Keep these expert tips in mind to ensure your Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time:

• Efficient Workflow is Key: Maximize your cooking time by multitasking. While your skillet is heating with olive oil for the chicken, use that time to mix your chicken seasonings. Simultaneously, get a pot of water boiling for your pasta. Having your water ready as soon as you’re done with chopping and dicing will save valuable minutes.
• Uniform Chicken Pieces: Consistency is crucial for even cooking. Ensure all your chicken pieces are cut into roughly equal, bite-sized cubes. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others become overcooked and dry.
• Pasta’s Swimming Room: Use a large pot and plenty of cold water when boiling your pasta. This provides ample space for the noodles to move freely as they cook and expand, preventing them from clumping together and ensuring an even texture.
• Boiling Water is Non-Negotiable: Always add pasta to vigorously boiling water. Adding noodles too soon, before the water reaches a full boil, can result in soggy, sticky, and improperly cooked pasta. A rolling boil ensures the pasta starts cooking immediately and retains its optimal texture. Setting a timer once the pasta is in the water is a good habit to prevent overcooking.
• Stir Immediately After Adding Pasta: As soon as you add the pasta to the boiling water, give it a good stir. This crucial step prevents the noodles from sticking to each other or to the bottom of the pot, ensuring each strand cooks separately and evenly.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t toss all that starchy pasta water! A little bit of this liquid is gold for your sauce. If your sauce becomes too thick, or if you want it to better cling to the pasta, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water. The starch in the water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and cohesive.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before combining with the pasta and again at the end. Adjust salt, pepper, and any other seasonings to your preference. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so account for that when adding salt to the sauce.
• Freshness Matters for Basil: While dried basil can be used, fresh basil truly elevates this dish. Stir it in at the very end, just before serving, to preserve its vibrant flavor and color. The heat from the pasta will gently wilt it, releasing its aromatic oils.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides can elevate the dining experience even further. Here are some ideas to complement its rich and savory flavors:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness, balancing the meal beautifully.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette: No pasta meal is truly complete without something to sop up every last bit of that delicious sauce! Garlic bread, or a warm, crusty baguette, is perfect for this. You can even make your own quick garlic bread at home.
• Steamed Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrients and freshness, serve alongside steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. A light seasoning of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice will keep them bright and flavorful.
• Wine Pairing: A light-bodied white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can complement the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes without overpowering them. If you prefer red, a light Chianti or a dry Rosé would also work well.
• Dessert: Finish your meal with something light and sweet, like a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of lemon sorbet, to cleanse the palate after the rich pasta.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Have leftovers? This creamy pasta is delicious the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

• Storage: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Place the desired portion in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk, chicken broth, or even a little water to help re-liquefy the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon or two of milk or broth, cover loosely, and microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
• Freezing: While technically possible, creamy sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy when frozen and thawed. If you choose to freeze, store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop with extra liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta:

• Can I make this dairy-free?
  Yes, you can! Substitute heavy cream with a full-fat canned coconut milk (for a slight coconut flavor) or a good quality dairy-free cream alternative. Ensure your Parmesan cheese substitute is also dairy-free. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
• What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
  If you have dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll need to rehydrate them first. Soak them in warm water or chicken broth for about 15-20 minutes until softened, then drain and chop before adding to the sauce. You might also want to add a little extra olive oil to the pan since you won’t get the oil from the jar.
• Can I use chicken broth instead of wine for deglazing?
  Absolutely! The recipe uses chicken broth in the sauce already, so if you were thinking of adding wine for deglazing (which isn’t explicitly in the original instructions but common in sauce-making), chicken broth is a perfect non-alcoholic substitute that will still add depth.
• How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
  To thicken the sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, allowing more liquid to evaporate. You can also stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese or a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) for a quicker fix. To thin the sauce, simply add a splash of chicken broth or the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Is this dish spicy?
  The recipe includes an optional ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. This amount will provide a very mild warmth. If you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount; if you prefer no heat, simply omit it entirely.

More Creamy Pastas You’ll Love

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting creaminess of this dish, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic pasta recipes:

• Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet Pasta
• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Pasta (A very similar, equally delightful dish!)
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
• Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Shells

I genuinely hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, and this delicious Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta recipe is no exception. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. I encourage you to try it, savor every bite, and share this delightful culinary experience with your friends and family!

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Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

Hearty, flavorful, and rich, this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a sure hit for the family. Made in 30 minutes, this chicken penne pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner. Made with budget friendly ingredients, you’ll be making this on repeat!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 8 oz. penne pasta, uncooked

Chicken

• 2 tbsps. olive oil, light tasting, for searing the chicken
• 1.5 lb. chicken tenderloins, cubed into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• ½ tsp. onion powder

The Sauce

• 1½ cup heavy cream
• 1½ cup chicken broth, low sodium
• ½ tsp. salt, or more to taste
• ¾ tsp. black pepper, or less to taste
• ½ tsp. onion powder
• 7 oz. sun-dried tomatoes, in jar, drained
• 3 whole garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped and packed
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper, or chili flakes, optional

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain when ready to add into the sauce.
• In a small bowl season chicken with the mixture of seasonings listed under chicken.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
• Add tomatoes and garlic and cook for a couple more minutes. Add the heavy cream, broth, cheese, salt, onion powder, black pepper and cayenne pepper if using any.
• Mix and simmer the sauce on low heat for a few minutes until the sauce thickens up.
• Stir in drained pasta and fresh basil. Cover and cook for a few more minutes on low heat until the pasta absorbs some of the sauce. Top with more chopped fresh basil and shaved parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

• A time-saving tip is to heat the skillet with oil while you are mixing together the spices, thus reducing the time you are waiting for things to heat up. Also, start boiling the water for your pasta as you prep your ingredients so it’s ready for your pasta once you’re done chopping and dicing.
• Make sure to cut your chicken in equal bite size pieces, so the pieces will be cooked evenly.
• Use enough cold water so when the pasta begins to cook and expand, there will still be plenty of room for the noodles to move freely.
• Make sure your pot is boiling before adding the pasta. Noodles that are added too soon will be soggy and not properly cooked. It’s best to set a timer so you don’t forget about it.
• As soon as you put your pasta in the water make sure to stir it. This stops the pasta from sticking together.

Nutrition

Calories: 673kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 766mg | Potassium: 1777mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1449IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 239mg | Iron: 4mg