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Creamy Pasta Chicken Sun Dried Tomatoes 91.png

Creamy Pasta Chicken Sun Dried Tomatoes

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5 from 1 review

🍅 This sun‑dried tomato pasta packs antioxidant‑rich tomatoes and protein‑filled chicken for a hearty, nutritious dinner.
🍝 A silky mozzarella cream sauce ties everything together, making a comforting one‑pan meal ready in under an hour.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

– 3 garlic cloves, minced

– 4 oz (≈ 115 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-free or drained)

– 2 Tbsp olive oil

– 1 lb (≈ 450 g) chicken breast tenderloins, sliced into bite-size pieces

– ¼ tsp salt, plus extra for finishing

– ¼ tsp paprika

– 1 cup half-and-half or ½ cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (pre-shredded)

– 8 oz (≈ 225 g) penne pasta (or gluten-free brown-rice pasta)

– 1 Tbsp dried basil

– ¼ tsp red-pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

– ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water, plus more as needed

Instructions

1-How to Prepare the Perfect Creamy Pasta Chicken Sun Dried Tomatoes: Step-by-Step Guide: Getting started with this creamy pasta chicken sun dried tomatoes is simple and fun gather your ingredients and let’s cook. First, prepare everything by mincing the garlic, chopping the sun dried tomatoes, and slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Don’t forget to boil salted water for the pasta to ensure it cooks perfectly al dente.

2-Next, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain it while reserving at least ½ cup of the pasta water for later. This step helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with the salt and paprika; cook until they’re lightly browned but not fully done yet.

3-Once the chicken is seared, add the minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the half-and-half (or the cream and milk mixture) and stir in the shredded mozzarella until it melts into a silky sauce. Combine the cooked pasta with this mixture, using the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency as needed.

4-Detailed Directions: 1. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes in olive oil for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the sliced chicken, sprinkle with salt and paprika, and sear until lightly browned.
3. Return the sun dried tomatoes to the pan, pour in the half-and-half, and stir in the mozzarella to create the sauce.
4. Mix in the dried basil and red-pepper flakes, then taste and adjust the seasoning.
5. Toss in the cooked penne and simmer everything together for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

Notes

🍅 Use oil‑free sun‑dried tomatoes or drain them well if packed in oil to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
💧 Reserve pasta water before draining; its starch helps emulsify and loosen the sauce.
🔥 If the sauce thickens too much, add pasta water a tablespoon at a time until smooth.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: One‑pan
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: High-protein

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (≈ 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 641
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 117 mg