Nothing beats the comfort of a perfectly cooked sun dried tomato chicken pasta when you're craving something both satisfying and flavorful. This incredible dish brings together tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and the intense Mediterranean flavors of sun dried tomatoes in a creamy, restaurant-quality sauce that you can whip up right at home. The beauty of this sun dried tomato chicken pasta lies in its simplicity; with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have a gourmet meal that rivals any Italian restaurant.
What makes this sun dried tomato chicken pasta truly special is how the sun dried tomatoes infuse every bite with their concentrated, slightly sweet flavor while the creamy sauce binds everything together beautifully. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this sun dried tomato chicken pasta delivers both elegance and comfort in every forkful.
Background & Why This Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Stands Out
This sun dried tomato chicken pasta recipe has its roots in traditional Italian cuisine, where sun dried tomatoes have been used for centuries as a way to preserve the summer harvest. The technique of sun-drying tomatoes concentrates their natural sugars and creates that distinctive tangy-sweet flavor that makes this sun dried tomato chicken pasta so irresistible. Unlike fresh tomatoes, sun dried varieties add depth and richness that transforms an ordinary chicken pasta into something extraordinary.
What sets this particular sun dried tomato chicken pasta apart is the perfect balance of creamy sauce and Mediterranean flavors. The combination of garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese creates a luxurious base that allows the sun dried tomato chicken pasta to shine without overwhelming the palate. This recipe has been tested countless times to ensure the chicken stays juicy, the pasta maintains perfect texture, and every component harmonizes beautifully in this exceptional sun dried tomato chicken pasta.
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, chopped (reserve 2 tablespoon oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika on all sides
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken pieces and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate
Step 2: Cook Pasta and Prepare Base
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining
- In the same skillet used for chicken, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
- Add chopped sun dried tomatoes and reserved oil to the skillet
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer
- Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using
- Let sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce
- Add drained pasta and toss everything together
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted
- Add spinach and fresh basil, stirring until spinach wilts
- Add pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Expert Cooking Tips
Chicken Preparation Secrets
The key to perfect sun dried tomato chicken pasta starts with properly prepared chicken. Always pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking, and avoid overcrowding the pan which can cause steaming instead of browning.
- Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature
- Resting Time: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices
- Seasoning Timing: Season chicken at least 15 minutes before cooking for better flavor penetration
- Pan Selection: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution
Pasta and Sauce Mastery
Creating the perfect creamy sauce requires attention to timing and temperature. Never let the cream boil vigorously as it can curdle, and always add cheese gradually while stirring.
- Pasta Water Magic: Save that starchy pasta water; it helps bind the sauce beautifully
- Cheese Addition: Remove pan from heat when adding Parmesan to prevent clumping
- Sauce Consistency: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but not be too thick
- Final Toss: Add pasta to sauce, not sauce to pasta, for better coating
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Adaptations
Transform this sun dried tomato chicken pasta to meet various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. These substitutions ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like rice or chickpea varieties
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for cheese
- Lower Calorie: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce cheese quantity
- Protein Alternatives: Try shrimp, turkey, or even grilled tofu instead of chicken
Flavor Enhancements
Customize your sun dried tomato chicken pasta with these creative additions that complement the base recipe perfectly.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and fresh oregano
- Mushroom Lovers: Include sautéed mushrooms like cremini or shiitake
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or increase red pepper flakes for heat
- Herb Garden: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage for complex flavors
Equipment Recommendations
Having the right tools makes creating this sun dried tomato chicken pasta much easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essential items that will help you achieve restaurant-quality results every time.
- Large Skillet: 12-inch stainless steel or cast iron for even cooking
- Pasta Pot: 6-8 quart capacity with tight-fitting lid
- Sharp Knife: Chef's knife for efficient chicken and vegetable prep
- Cutting Board: Large wooden or plastic board for food safety
- Tongs: For easy pasta and chicken handling
- Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results
- Cheese Grater: Fresh grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Proper storage techniques help you enjoy this sun dried tomato chicken pasta throughout the week while maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover sun dried tomato chicken pasta in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together.
- Container Choice: Use glass containers to prevent staining and odor absorption
- Portion Control: Divide into individual serving sizes for easy reheating
- Freshness Indicators: Look for any off odors or changes in texture before consuming
- Reheating Method: Add a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating to restore consistency
Freezer Options
While creamy pasta dishes don't always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this sun dried tomato chicken pasta for up to 2 months with proper preparation.
- Freezing Tip: Slightly undercook pasta if planning to freeze
- Thawing Process: Move to refrigerator 24 hours before reheating
- Texture Recovery: Add fresh cream and cheese when reheating frozen portions
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing secret that transforms ordinary sun dried tomato chicken pasta into something truly extraordinary: always bloom your dried herbs and spices in the reserved oil from the sun dried tomatoes before adding the cream. This simple technique releases essential oils and creates flavor layers that make your sun dried tomato chicken pasta taste like it's been simmering for hours.
The second secret involves the timing of adding ingredients. Instead of dumping everything together, build flavors gradually. Start with aromatics, develop the base, then layer in proteins and finally the delicate elements like herbs and cheese. This methodical approach ensures each component in your sun dried tomato chicken pasta maintains its distinct character while contributing to the overall harmony of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes in pasta?
Absolutely! Sun-dried tomatoes are perfect for pasta dishes, especially in this sun dried tomato chicken pasta recipe. They add concentrated flavor and beautiful color while maintaining their texture during cooking.
What pairs well with sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes pair beautifully with chicken, garlic, basil, spinach, and creamy sauces, which is why this sun dried tomato chicken pasta combination works so perfectly together.
What can I do with a jar of sundried tomatoes?
Besides making this delicious sun dried tomato chicken pasta, you can use them in salads, sandwiches, pizza toppings, or blend them into spreads and pestos.
What sides go with sun dried tomato chicken?
This sun dried tomato chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Perfect Pasta Pairings: What's Next?
Now that you've mastered this incredible sun dried tomato chicken pasta, your culinary journey doesn't have to end here. The techniques you've learned translate beautifully to other pasta creations that will expand your weeknight dinner repertoire. This sun dried tomato chicken pasta serves as a foundation for understanding how to balance creamy sauces with proteins and vegetables.
Consider trying our Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe next, which uses similar cooking techniques but showcases bright, citrusy flavors instead of the rich Mediterranean taste of sun dried tomato chicken pasta. Alternatively, our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta offers another approach to creamy chicken pasta that complements the skills you've developed with this sun dried tomato chicken pasta perfectly. Both recipes will help you become more confident in creating restaurant-quality pasta dishes at home.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Ashley Johnson
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Pairing
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