If you’re craving a dish that beautifully balances rich flavors with the comforting embrace of pasta, you have to try this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken strips with the intense tang of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy parmesan, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, bursting with vibrant colors and textures that’ll make every bite delightful. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe will quickly become your go-to meal for those nights when you want something special yet simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the savory chicken breast to the sharp parmesan and the uniquely flavorful sun-dried tomatoes that give this pasta its signature twist. These essentials come together to create a dish that’s both colorful and packed with texture.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite type; penne or rigatoni work wonderfully for holding onto the sauce.
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-size strips): Lean and tender, these provide the perfect protein base.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning chicken and adjusting final flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken beautifully and adds a fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Offers a creamy, silky texture to the sauce when combined with olive oil.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant herbal note that complements the sun-dried tomatoes perfectly.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful sauce base that helps meld all ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil): The star ingredient—intensely tangy and sweet, they elevate the whole dish.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness that melts into the sauce for ultimate creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (sliced thin): Provides a fresh, aromatic finish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta until it’s just tender but still firm to the bite—al dente is key here. This ensures the pasta holds up beautifully when tossed with the sauce later, avoiding mushiness and keeping perfect texture in every forkful.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Season them generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The seasoning step is really important because it forms the flavor foundation for the meat, allowing it to shine in the finished dish.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet and Sear Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Give it a couple of minutes until the pan is hot enough—this will help you get a beautiful golden crust on the chicken. Adding both oil and butter brings a nice balance of flavor and browning.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken strips in the skillet and let them cook without moving for 3 minutes to ensure a good sear. Then, stir or flip the pieces and cook for another 2 minutes until the chicken is well-browned and nearly cooked through, locking in juicy tenderness.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
To the chicken, add Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the mixture bubble gently for about 3 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce by half. This step intensifies the flavors, creating a rich, tangy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Before draining the pasta, save 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water and add it to the skillet. This starchy water helps bind everything together. Add drained pasta, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil to the skillet and toss until the cheese melts and everything is luxuriously coated in the flavorful sauce.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Plate the pasta right away and give it one last taste for seasoning. Add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Serving this dish hot lets the cheese stay melty and the chicken tender, creating the most comforting meal you can imagine.
How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The vibrant colors of this dish can be enhanced with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a handful of fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of good quality olive oil on top adds a glossy finish and a flavor boost that makes every bite even more special.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta is rich and full of flavor, lighter side dishes like a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables work beautifully. Garlic bread is another delicious option if you’re looking to make the meal feel extra comforting and hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve the pasta in rustic bowls with fresh basil scattered on top. For a more elegant touch, plate the pasta neatly twirled with sprigs of basil as garnish and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the flavors right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely when chilled, making it perfect for quick next-day meals or a delicious lunch.
Freezing
This pasta freezes well if stored promptly after cooking. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and label it. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. To prevent dryness, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just cover the dish to retain moisture and stir halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni are great for catching the sauce, feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even fusilli depending on what you have on hand. The sauce works well with almost any pasta shape.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary for this dish?
Yes, the sun-dried tomatoes are crucial in giving this pasta its unique tangy depth and vibrant color. If you only have bottled tomatoes, opt for the dry-packed ones for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
You can! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly because thighs take a little longer to cook through. Just make sure they’re cut into evenly sized strips.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in the fridge and tastes great reheated, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store the pasta and sauce together to preserve moisture and flavor.
How can I make this dish creamier?
For an extra creamy texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the chicken broth in step 5. This addition creates a luscious, silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and comforting home cooking all rolled into one delicious dish. Once you try it, you’ll love how easy it is to make yet how impressive it tastes. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners with friends, give it a go and make this vibrant pasta your new favorite meal to share.
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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
Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken strips sautéed in a savory sun-dried tomato and chicken broth sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and delivers vibrant Italian-inspired flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size strips
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, sliced thin
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and season them generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the skillet: Add olive oil and butter to a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat for a few minutes until hot and sizzling.
- Sear the chicken: Place the chicken strips in the skillet in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3 minutes to achieve a nice sear. Then stir or flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes until cooked through.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer and bubble for about 3 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by half, intensifying the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Before draining the pasta, scoop out 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water and add it to the skillet. Then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet along with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Toss everything together until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, seasoning with extra salt and pepper to taste if desired.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra richness, but drain excess oil before use.
- Reserve pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce and help it cling to pasta better.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil; reduce quantity accordingly.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half when adding the chicken broth.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent sogginess when tossed with sauce.
