Elevate your weeknight dinner rotation with this incredibly flavorful and creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. This dish features tender, pan-seared chicken breast and al dente pasta tossed in a rich, savory cream sauce infused with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh spinach. It is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for both busy evenings and elegant entertaining.

The secret to this recipe lies in the luscious sauce, which combines heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and the bold, concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you prefer short pasta like penne or long strands like fettuccine, the velvety sauce coats every bite, providing a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes. Garnished with fresh basil and a touch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, this pasta is sure to become a new family favorite.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the diced chicken.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and dried basil, simmering for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a quintessential comfort meal that brings the heart of an Italian trattoria right to your kitchen. The combination of tender, golden-seared chicken and the intense, sweet-tart flavor of sun-dried tomatoes creates a sophisticated profile that belies how quickly it comes together. Whether you choose to make it as a creamy one-pot wonder or a traditional skillet dish, the results are consistently luxurious, making it a reliable staple for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and the punch of flavor found in simple pantry staples. Using the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar adds an extra layer of depth, while finishing with fresh basil and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese provides a bright, salty contrast to the rich sauce. Serve this pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying meal that is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.