One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
There’s something magical about whipping up a comforting dinner in a single pan, especially when it’s bursting with rich flavors and vibrant colors. That’s why this One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta holds a permanent spot on my weeknight dinner rotation. Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with juicy chicken, it’s a dish that delivers on taste and convenience alike. The sun-dried tomatoes add a bold tang, while spinach and basil bring fresh notes that contrast beautifully with luxurious Parmesan and cream. One bite and you’ll want to share this pasta with everyone you know!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this dish is that you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. Gather these kitchen staples and a few fresh ingredients, and you’re on your way to a pasta night that’s as easy as it is impressive.
- Olive oil: Gives everything a nutty base and ensures the chicken gets beautifully golden edges.
- Butter: Adds silky richness and helps infuse flavor right from the start.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The hearty, protein-packed star that makes the entire dish substantial.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient and brings out the natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Offers gentle warmth and depth without overpowering the other tastes.
- Italian seasoning: A shortcut blend that infuses rustic herby notes with zero fuss.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must here, giving a savory kick that ties the whole dish together.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil): Their sweet-tart, concentrated flavor defines the entire pasta—don’t skimp!
- Chicken broth: Adds body and richness, plus it cooks the pasta and infuses every bite with savory goodness.
- Penne pasta: Holds all that creamy sauce perfectly, but any similar pasta will do in a pinch.
- Heavy cream: Turns the sauce velvety and luxurious—substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option if you like.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty notes and a gooey finish.
- Baby spinach: Wilts down for a pop of color and a boost of nutrients right at the end.
- Fresh basil (optional): A shower of basil on top adds fragrant brightness just before serving.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Sear and Season the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil and butter together in a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the pan. Let them sizzle away until they’re cooked through and golden brown on all sides—about five to six minutes. Once done, scoop the chicken out onto a plate and keep it nearby so it stays juicy for later.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
With all those lovely browned bits left in the pan, toss in the garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for just a minute or two, stirring and breathing in that incredible fragrance. This step infuses the oil with deep tomato and garlic flavors that will make the sauce absolutely unforgettable.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and turn up the heat to bring it to a steady boil. Once it’s bubbling, stir in the uncooked penne. Drop the heat to medium-low, put a lid on, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, giving it an occasional stir. The pasta will absorb the broth, soak up all that flavor, and get perfectly al dente.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The sauce will turn creamy, glossy, and oh-so dreamy as the cheese melts and the cream thickens. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to. This is where all the flavor magic of the One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta comes together.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken (and any tasty juices) back to the pot, then toss in the baby spinach. Stir gently until the spinach just wilts and everything is beautifully coated in sauce. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil if you like, and marvel at your one-pot wonder.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
This pasta loves a final sprinkle of fresh basil for brightness or a little extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish. Feel free to add cracked black pepper or a hint of red chili flakes for a touch of heat. These little touches make your One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta feel truly special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
While this dish is certainly satisfying on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or a basket of garlic bread takes things to the next level. The pasta’s creamy richness is balanced perfectly with something fresh and crunchy on the side. Don’t forget a simple Italian vinaigrette or a lemony arugula salad to really round out the meal!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta in wide, shallow bowls so guests can admire all the gorgeous colors. For a dinner party, portion it into mini skillets or ramekins and garnish with a basil leaf for a stunning, individualized presentation. And if you’re packing leftovers for lunch, layer spinach at the bottom of your container for an extra-green boost when you reheat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors get even more delicious as they meld together overnight!
Freezing
One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta can be frozen for up to two months, though the sauce may separate slightly when thawed. For best results, transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, pressing out as much air as possible. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy weeknight dinners later on.
Reheating
To bring your pasta back to its creamy glory, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk, broth, or cream to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring and checking often. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil right before serving for that just-made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Short shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli work well with this recipe—just check for doneness as different pastas cook at different speeds. The key is to make sure your pasta has enough liquid to cook through and soak in all that flavor.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
If you only have dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water for 10 minutes, then chop and use as directed. But honestly, the ones packed in oil give richer flavor, so try to grab a jar if you can!
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for olive oil, use canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative in place of heavy cream, and opt for a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheese. The dish will still be creamy, comforting, and absolutely craveable.
Is there a vegetarian version?
To make this vegetarian, leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra spinach, mushrooms, or even white beans for extra heartiness while still enjoying all the flavors of classic One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta.
Can I prep any ingredients in advance?
Definitely! Chop the chicken, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes the night before and refrigerate them separately. On busy nights, this lets you get dinner on the table even faster, with all your prep work already out of the way.
Final Thoughts
Give this One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta a spot on your dinner table soon—you won’t regret it! With just one pan and a handful of tasty ingredients, you’ll end up with a dish that’s as impressive as it is comforting. Even picky eaters are guaranteed to ask for seconds!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. A comforting and satisfying meal that comes together quickly in just one pot, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or pot. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same pot, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then stir in the uncooked pasta. Simmer until al dente.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until creamy. Add chicken and spinach, cook until spinach wilts. Garnish with basil and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Use jarred sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
