Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce come together with fresh spinach and a hint of lemon for brightness.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 medium shallot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pound short cut pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain 3 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar into a large pot or skillet with sides. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and set aside.
2. Step 2: Set the pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and cook for another minute. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. Step 4: To the same pot, add the butter, chopped shallot, garlic, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add 3 1/2 cups water to the pot and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring often, until al dente, about 8 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, remaining parmesan, fresh baby spinach, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Return the cooked chicken and any juices to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Step 7: Serve the pasta topped with lemon juice and additional fresh parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Substitute fresh basil or parsley for spinach to add a different herb note.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.
• Reserve a little pasta water before draining to thin the sauce if needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of jarred?

Yes, but if using dried sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water for about 20 minutes before chopping and adding to the dish.

What pasta types work best for this recipe?

Short cut pastas like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely, but feel free to use your favorite shape.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 101 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce infused with Italian seasoning and a touch of Dijon mustard. Perfect for a delicious weeknight meal, this recipe combines rich flavors with simple ingredients for a satisfying pasta experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Seasonings

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons salted butter

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 (8 ounce) jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 medium shallot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Juice of 1 lemon

Other Ingredients

• 1 pound short cut pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

---

Instructions

1. Prepare oil and tomatoes: Drain 3 tablespoons of oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes into a large pot or skillet with sides. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and set them aside for later use.
2. Cook the chicken: Place the pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and cook for another minute, then remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté shallot and garlic: In the same pot, add the salted butter, chopped shallot, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook over medium heat until fragrant, approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
4. Cook the pasta: Add 3 1/2 cups water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until al dente, about 8 minutes.
5. Make the creamy sauce: Once pasta is al dente, stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, remaining Parmesan cheese, fresh baby spinach, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients and allow the spinach to wilt slightly.
6. Reintroduce chicken and finish: Slide the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back into the pot with the pasta and sauce. Stir gently to incorporate and heat through.
7. Serve: Plate the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and additional grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Notes

• The Italian seasoning can be homemade by combining dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram.
• Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, but regular paprika works well too.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred level of heat.
• Use good quality Parmesan for best flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy dairy alternative, though the sauce may be less rich.
• Short cut pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best in this recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: sun-dried tomato chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Italian chicken pasta, one pot pasta, easy chicken dinner