If you’re on the hunt for a truly comforting, flavorful, and downright irresistible dinner, then this One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken pieces mingling with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to each bite of pasta—this dish has everything you want on a cozy night in. Best of all, it all comes together in just one pot, making cleanup nearly effortless while delivering big on taste and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe takes simplicity to heart, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the savory depth of garlic and Italian seasoning to the vibrant pops of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, every element plays a key role in building the dish’s inviting flavor and satisfying texture.
- Chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Olive oil: Perfect for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables for that rich base.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle but essential savory punch.
- Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs that enhance the Mediterranean vibe.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle, balanced heat without overpowering.
- Shallots: Offer a mild onion sweetness that softens as they cook.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor and beautiful color.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to deepen the dish’s flavor complexity.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta and builds a hearty sauce.
- Medium pasta: Penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work wonderfully to hold sauce.
- Fresh spinach: Added at the end for vibrant color and a boost of greens.
- Cream cheese: Creates a dreamy, velvety texture in the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that perfectly balances the cream.
- Milk: Lightens the sauce for just the right consistency.
- Fresh basil: A fragrant, fresh garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This combination packs incredible flavor into every morsel. Cook until your chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside—you’ll bring it back soon, so don’t stray too far.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Now, in that same pot, add a splash more olive oil if needed and toss in the diced shallots, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh minced garlic. Let them soften gently for about 2-3 minutes. This step releases their natural sweetness and enriches the foundation of the sauce, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aromas.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Pour in chicken broth and bring it up to a lively boil. Add your choice of medium pasta—penne, fusilli, or farfalle all do an excellent job here. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the pasta for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. Just before the pasta finishes, stir in the fresh spinach; it will wilt quickly, packing vibrant color and nutrients into the dish.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Now for the creamy magic. Stir in the softened cream cheese and Parmesan until they melt seamlessly into the cooking liquid. Add the chicken back to the pot along with the milk, stirring gently. Cook everything together until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is reheated through. By the end of this step, that rich, velvety sauce should be coating every pasta piece and chicken bite with perfect creaminess.
Step 5: Serve
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and, if you like, a little extra parmesan cheese on top to amp up the flavor and presentation. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in enthusiastically to this soul-satisfying marvel.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is your best friend here; it brings a burst of herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of extra parmesan not only adds richness but also a slight salty tang that lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe is wonderful all on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread are perfect choices. They add texture and help balance the creaminess of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or on a bed of grilled vegetables. You could also make it a pasta bake by transferring the finished mixture to a casserole dish, topping with extra cheese, and broiling for a few minutes until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain flavor and moisture, and give it a gentle stir before reheating.
Freezing
While the cream cheese can change texture when frozen, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1-2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of milk or broth helps loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Cooking from frozen will result in unevenly cooked chicken.
What types of pasta work best in this recipe?
Medium pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, and farfalle are ideal because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully and cook evenly within the broth.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese and parmesan for dairy-free alternatives, though the sauce may be slightly different in texture and flavor. Nutritional yeast can add cheesiness, and coconut milk or a plant-based cream can replace milk.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini make great additions—just sauté them along with the shallots and sun-dried tomatoes to infuse their flavors into the sauce.
How spicy is this recipe?
With just a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the heat level is mild and balanced. You can adjust the amount up or down to suit your personal taste.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy days when comfort food cravings strike. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create such a big flavor impact all from just one pot.
Print
One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich and comforting one-pot creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta recipe featuring tender chicken pieces, savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious cheese sauce, all cooked together for an easy and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup shallots, diced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Pasta and Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup medium pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- ½ cup milk
Cheeses
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Extra parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced shallots, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add your choice of medium pasta and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Stir in the fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking to wilt it.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the softened cream cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Add the reserved chicken pieces back into the pot along with the milk. Stir and cook for a few minutes more until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and milk to reduce fat content if preferred.
- To make it spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula based on your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
