Welcome to a culinary journey that promises to elevate your weeknight dinner routine: this sensational Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. Imagine tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and the vibrant burst of sun-dried tomatoes all swimming in a luscious, creamy garlic Parmesan Alfredo sauce. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a celebration of rich flavors and comforting textures, designed for those busy evenings when you crave something extraordinary yet effortlessly simple. Get ready to transform everyday ingredients into a truly unforgettable meal that will become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Adore This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
If you’re seeking a fresh, exciting twist on classic Alfredo pasta with chicken, your search ends here. This recipe is an absolute game-changer, and it all starts with one magical ingredient: a jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil. These tomatoes aren’t just a garnish; they are packed with an incredible depth of flavor and a wonderfully fragrant aroma that infuses the entire dish. The best part? You can even utilize the flavorful oil they’re packed in, ensuring every drop of sun-kissed goodness is incorporated into your meal.
This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta stands out for its exceptionally rich flavor profile, combining the savory notes of chicken and Parmesan with the sweet and tangy essence of sun-dried tomatoes. Despite its gourmet taste, it’s remarkably easy to prepare, making it the perfect dinner solution for any day of the week, especially those busy weekdays when time is precious. It’s wonderfully creamy, incredibly filling, and pairs beautifully with a side of cheesy garlic bread or golden toasted baguette slices. Beyond its delightful taste, this pasta offers versatility; feel free to add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrients and texture, or customize the spice level to your liking. It’s a comforting meal that promises to satisfy every palate.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: These are crucial for the dish’s signature flavor. Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, not the dry, unhydrated variety often found in salad toppings. The oil itself is a treasure, infused with rich tomato flavor, and will be incorporated into the sauce to enhance its depth.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work wonderfully. Chicken breast offers a lean protein source and cooks quickly, while chicken thighs provide a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture due to their higher fat content. Cube them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy mixing with the pasta.
- Pasta: Any bite-sized pasta shape will absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. Penne is a popular choice due to its tubular shape, which traps the sauce perfectly, but options like rigatoni, rotini, farfalle (bow tie), or even orecchiette would be excellent alternatives.
- Seasoning: A simple blend of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (or dried oregano) is all you need to elevate the chicken and sauce. These basic spices complement the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic without overpowering them, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Garlic: An indispensable aromatic, fresh minced garlic adds a pungent, savory depth that is essential to any great Italian-inspired sauce. Don’t skimp on the garlic – its aroma and flavor are key to this pasta’s deliciousness.
- Milk: For the creamy Alfredo sauce, whole milk or half-and-half is recommended. Half-and-half offers a luxurious creaminess that is lighter than heavy cream but still incredibly rich. Whole milk provides a slightly lighter sauce while still maintaining a desirable consistency.
- Cornstarch: This acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, helping to achieve a velvety smooth consistency without the need for heavy cream. It’s a fantastic alternative for those looking for a slightly lighter sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Essential for an authentic Alfredo experience. Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, providing its characteristic salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor that truly defines this creamy pasta dish.
Crafting Your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this creamy, flavorful Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to bring this delightful dish to life in your kitchen.
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a mix of olive oil and a teaspoon of the flavorful oil straight from your jar of sun-dried tomatoes. This infused oil will lay a delicious foundation for the entire dish. Once shimmering, add your bite-sized chicken pieces, season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (or dried oregano). Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, with no pink remaining. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, reserving any drippings in the pan.
- Step 2: Build the Flavor Base. With the cooked chicken temporarily out of the way, add a little more sun-dried tomato oil or olive oil to the same skillet if needed. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the sun-dried tomatoes soften slightly, releasing their intense aroma and flavor into the oil. This step is crucial for developing the rich taste of the sauce.
- Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce. In a separate mixing bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk together the cornstarch with half-and-half (or whole milk) until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and no lumps remain. This slurry will help thicken your sauce beautifully.
- Step 4: Combine and Thicken the Sauce. Pour the cornstarch and milk mixture into the skillet with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then gradually stir in about half of the shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer the sauce, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, or until it visibly thickens to your desired consistency. The cornstarch will prevent the sauce from becoming too thin and ensure a luxurious, clingy texture.
- Step 5: Bring it All Together. Once the sauce has thickened to perfection, return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Gently stir the chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Add your freshly cooked and drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure the pasta, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes are evenly enveloped in the rich, creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve. To complete your masterpiece, garnish the pasta generously with the remaining shredded Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with a side of warm garlic bread or perfectly toasted baguette slices, allowing everyone to savor every bite of this irresistible Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta.
Unveiling the Magic of Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are precisely what their name implies: ripe tomatoes that have been dehydrated under the warmth of the sun or in a commercial dehydrator. This age-old preservation method concentrates their natural sugars and intensifies their flavor, resulting in a product far sweeter, tangier, and more umami-rich than fresh tomatoes.
You’ll typically find sun-dried tomatoes in one of two forms at your local grocery store: oil-packed in jars or dry-packed in bags. For this recipe, the oil-packed variety is highly recommended. The oil itself becomes infused with the tomato’s essence, making it a valuable flavor booster for sautéing and building the sauce. These vibrant, ruby-red gems contribute a deeply savory and slightly sweet note that can elevate any dish, from pasta and salads to sandwiches and dips. They are a Mediterranean pantry staple, prized for their robust flavor and versatility, and can truly transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.
Perfect Pairings for Your Pasta Dish
While this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, a few thoughtful accompaniments can elevate your dining experience. Pasta universally finds its soulmate in bread, and this dish is no exception. Consider pairing it with a homemade skillet focaccia, its airy texture and herbaceous flavor making it perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce. Alternatively, simple slices of toasted baguette, perhaps brushed with a little garlic butter, offer a delightful crunch and a canvas for the rich sauce.
To balance the richness of the pasta, a fresh, crisp salad is an excellent choice. A classic Caesar salad with its tangy dressing and crunchy croutons provides a refreshing counterpoint. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or even a Caprese salad featuring fresh mozzarella, basil, and ripe tomatoes, would beautifully complement the Italian flavors of the main course. And for those who enjoy a beverage pairing, a light-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc would be delightful choices.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Any bite-sized pasta will work beautifully with this creamy sauce. Popular choices include penne, rigatoni, farfalle (bow tie), or even cavatappi. The key is to choose a shape that can effectively hold onto the rich, flavorful sauce. Penne is often favored because its tubular shape and ridged surface are excellent for trapping the creamy goodness, ensuring every mouthful is packed with flavor.
Absolutely! This pasta is incredibly versatile and welcomes the addition of various vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach (stirred in at the end until wilted), corn, peas, or colorful bell peppers would all be delicious additions. You can also roast some broccoli or asparagus alongside the chicken for extra flavor and nutrients. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonal vegetables.
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s common for the pasta to have absorbed much of the sauce, making it less creamy. To restore its saucy and creamy texture, simply add a splash of milk (whole milk or half-and-half works best) while reheating on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring until warmed through and creamy again.
Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted for a vegetarian diet. Simply omit the chicken and replace it with a plant-based protein like pan-fried tofu, tempeh, cannellini beans, or even sautéed chickpeas. Alternatively, you can add more vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or extra mushrooms to make it a hearty vegetarian meal.
While the recipe calls for half-and-half or whole milk to achieve a creamy yet lighter sauce, you can certainly use heavy cream for a richer, more decadent Alfredo. If using heavy cream, you might need slightly less cornstarch, or you could omit it entirely if you prefer a very thick sauce from the cream alone. Adjust to your desired consistency.
Freezing creamy pasta dishes can sometimes alter the texture of the sauce, making it grainy or separating upon thawing. While it’s not ideal, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop with an added splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.
Explore More Delicious Pasta Recipes:
- Easy Broccoli Pasta
- Creamy Zucchini Pasta
- Creamy Boursin Pasta
- Creamy Sausage Pasta
We hope you love this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta as much as we do! If you prepare this recipe, please consider leaving a comment below to share your experience and don’t hesitate to give it a rating if you enjoyed it. Your feedback helps us and other home cooks discover wonderful new meals!
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups half and half or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese divided
- chopped parsley for garnish
- 2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: If needed, add a little more sun-dried tomato oil to the pan. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes are slightly softened, releasing their rich aroma.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a separate mixing bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the cornstarch with half and half (or whole milk) until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour the cornstarch-milk mixture into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in half of the shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired creamy consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked and drained pasta. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
- Serve: Garnish generously with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices for a complete and satisfying meal.