If you’re looking for a dinner that feels cozy, flavorful, and just a little bit special, this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, the rich umami punch from sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy parmesan all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta that soaks up every bit of the vibrant sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a casual gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never feels complicated to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a balance of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors. Each one plays an irreplaceable role in the dish’s final texture and taste, ensuring every bite is delicious and satisfying.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite variety; it provides the perfect base to hold the sauce.
- 2 chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized strips for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the chicken seasoning.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and adds a fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings silkiness to the sauce and rounds out the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful sauce base and keeps the chicken juicy.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Concentrated tomato sweetness and a chewy texture that stands out beautifully.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta for creamy richness and a salty kick.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil: Thinly sliced for a fresh, herbaceous finish and burst of color.
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. This gives the pasta just the right amount of bite to perfectly complement the creamy, saucy chicken mixture.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Generously season them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This step builds the foundation of flavor that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 3: Heat the Pan with Oil and Butter
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter. Let them heat together until the butter melts and becomes foamy. This combination not only helps the chicken brown beautifully but also enriches the sauce with a velvety texture.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken strips to the hot pan. Leave them undisturbed for about 3 minutes to develop a golden sear, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. This method seals in the juices, keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning into the skillet, followed by the chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes. Allow the sauce to bubble gently and reduce by roughly half for 3 minutes. This concentrates the flavors and creates a slightly thickened, luscious base.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Before draining the pasta, scoop out 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water and add it to the skillet—this helps loosen and marry the sauce with the pasta. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet along with the parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Toss vigorously until the cheese melts and every strand of pasta is coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Dish out the pasta while it’s warm and aromatic. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. A fresh sprinkle of basil on top will add an inviting burst of color and herbaceous aroma.
How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a must for garnish, lending a bright herbaceous note. For extra richness and texture, consider sprinkling a little more grated parmesan or even some toasted pine nuts on top.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also make fantastic companions to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style right in the skillet for an inviting, rustic feel. For special occasions, twirl individual portions neatly on plates and finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a few basil leaves for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It retains its flavor wonderfully, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To preserve texture, freeze without the basil and add fresh basil when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it looks dry. This will revive the saucy texture and keep the chicken tender without overcooking it.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While any pasta will work, shapes like penne, farfalle, or fusilli help trap the sauce nicely, making every bite deliciously coated.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, try using roasted red peppers or a mix of fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft as an alternative, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the parmesan and butter and use a dairy-free butter substitute and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor that works well in this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be white and firm throughout with no pink inside. Cooking over medium-high heat and cutting bite-sized strips helps ensure it cooks evenly and quickly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or grilled tofu, keeping all other ingredients the same for a satisfying vegetarian twist.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to prepare, perfect for bringing a little joy to your table any day of the week. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a go-to favorite!
Print
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A flavorful Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta recipe combining tender seared chicken strips with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, all tossed with al dente pasta and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish blends savory and tangy flavors for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-size strips)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Cooking Fats and Herbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (sliced thin)
Liquids and Cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions, then set aside but keep warm.
- Prepare the Chicken: Meanwhile, cut the chicken into bite-sized strips and season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the Skillet: Add olive oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat and let it warm for a few minutes until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a sear. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes, letting the mixture bubble and reduce for about 3 minutes until reduced by roughly half.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water and add it to the skillet. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet along with the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Toss everything together until the cheese melts and the pasta is well coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately, seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Keeping some pasta water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor, but drain excess oil beforehand.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes in step 5.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; substitute with dried if unavailable, but add earlier to bloom the flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
