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Easy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe in 30 Minutes

creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting dish features tender chicken, a rich tangy sauce, and your favorite pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 grams), sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons (about 45 grams) sun-dried tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup (about 50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful of fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, slice 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ small finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn.
  4. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
  5. Stir in 3 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato paste, mixing thoroughly to coat the chicken and aromatics.
  6. Add ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth and 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with ½ cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta in the sauce.
  8. Sprinkle ½ cup (about 50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and creamy.
  9. Stir in a handful of chopped fresh basil (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more pasta water.
  10. Serve the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.

Notes

Keep the heat moderate when simmering the sauce to avoid curdling the cream. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Mix Parmesan cheese in off heat to prevent graininess. Use fresh garlic and onion for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: sun-dried tomato chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe, weeknight pasta, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce