Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta (One-Pot Wonder!)

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a one-pot wonder that's packed with flavor! Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant spinach are coated in a rich and creamy sauce infused with the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. I love how this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. Get ready for a pasta dish that's sure to become a new family favorite!

Why You'll Love This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich and delicious sauce.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
• Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, this pasta is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Ingredients for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious pasta. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients

• Olive oil (Oil)
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces (Meat)
• Diced shallots (Vegetable)
• Garlic, grated (Aromatic)
• Sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (Vegetable)
• Uncooked fusilli or penne pasta (Pasta)
• Packed baby spinach (Vegetable)
• Low fat cream cheese, room temperature
• Whole Milk
• Shredded Parmesan
• Chopped fresh basil

Seasoning

• Garlic powder (Spice)
• Italian seasoning (Spice Blend)
• Red pepper flakes (optional) (Spice)
• Salt (Seasoning)
• Freshly ground black pepper (Spice)

Liquid

• Low sodium chicken broth (Liquid)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

• Add More Vegetables: Toss in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Different Protein: Use Italian sausage, shrimp, or chickpeas instead of chicken.
• Different Cheese: Try using Asiago, Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of Parmesan.
• Add Pesto

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Let me show you how easy it is to make this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta:

Cook the Chicken

1. I add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large deep skillet or pot.
2. I heat the oil over medium-high heat and then add in the chicken.
3. I spread the chicken into a single layer and season it with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. I sauté the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until it's cooked through.
5. I remove the chicken onto a plate and set it aside.

Sauté Aromatics and Add Broth

1. If needed, I add additional oil to the pot.
2. I add in the shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic.
3. I sauté for 2 minutes.
4. Then pour in the chicken broth.
5. I scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot (that's where all the flavor is!) and bring the broth to a boil.

Cook Pasta and Spinach

1. I pour in the uncooked pasta and lower the heat to medium.
2. I cook the pasta until it's al dente, 15-20 minutes, stirring often.
3. During the last minute of cooking, I add in the spinach and stir until it's wilted.

Add Cream Cheese, Parmesan, and Chicken

1. I stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until they're melted and fully incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
2. I add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the milk.
3. I stir everything until the sauce thickens and it's heated through, 3-5 minutes.

Serve

1. Serve

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Pasta

Here are my secrets for making this pasta dish truly exceptional:

• Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it's al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
• Use Good Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes will really shine through in this dish, so use good quality ones.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor than pre-shredded.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

How to Serve

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad or a Caesar salad would complement the richness of the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine, like Pinot Noir, or a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, would pair well with this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs about Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  • Yes, you can use any type of short pasta, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle.
• Can I make this without the chicken?
  • Yes, you can omit the chicken for a vegetarian version.
• Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?
  • Yes, you can.

Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta! It's a perfect weeknight meal that's sure to become a new favorite.

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