This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, garlic-infused sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety cheese sauce. The combination of mozzarella, Asiago, and heavy cream creates an indulgent, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy – The smooth, cheesy sauce perfectly coats every bite.
- Bold Flavors – Sun-dried tomatoes and garlic add deep, savory notes.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it great for weeknights.
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet – For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
- Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
- Colander – To drain the pasta efficiently.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce without scratching the pan.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – For prepping the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
Preparation Tips
- Pre-measure ingredients – This speeds up cooking and ensures accuracy.
- Use room temperature dairy – Cold cream and cheese can clump in the sauce.
- Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely – This helps distribute their flavor evenly.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken (sliced into 2-inch pieces)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning (red top)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Asiago cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup beef broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, season the sliced chicken with salt, onion powder, Adobo, and paprika.
- Set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over low-medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly browned.
- Remove only the tomatoes, leaving the garlic oil mixture in the skillet.
- Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
- In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken and cook on high heat for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Pasta
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream, whole milk, basil, red pepper flakes, and beef broth.
- Stir in the mozzarella and Asiago cheese, bringing the mixture to a light boil while stirring constantly.
6. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, stirring until fully coated.
- Mix in the cooked chicken and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Toss everything together and let it cook for 1-2 more minutes for the flavors to blend.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with extra cheese, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for additional flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy this rich and creamy pasta dish.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and well-balanced meal. Here are eight great options:
1. Garlic Bread
A classic side that helps soak up the creamy sauce. Choose a crusty baguette brushed with garlic butter for the best flavor.
2. Caesar Salad
A crisp and refreshing salad with romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and creamy dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes add a light and flavorful touch to balance the dish.
4. Steamed Broccoli
A simple, healthy side that complements the creamy pasta without overpowering it.
5. Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella with a drizzle of balsamic glaze create a fresh and vibrant pairing.
6. Sautéed Spinach
Quickly sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil adds a nutritious and slightly bitter contrast to the creamy pasta.
7. Breadsticks
Soft, buttery breadsticks work well for dipping into the creamy sauce.
8. Light Soup
A light soup, such as a tomato or vegetable broth-based soup, makes a great starter before diving into the pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
1. Overcooking the Chicken
- Chicken should be cooked just until golden brown on each side. Overcooking will make it dry.
- For best results, cook it over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side, then let it finish cooking in the sauce.
2. Using Too Much Pasta
- Sticking to 10 ounces of pasta ensures that the sauce fully coats every bite.
- If using more pasta, increase the amount of sauce to maintain creaminess.
3. Skipping the Garlic Sauté Step
- Cooking garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil first unlocks their deep, rich flavors.
- Removing the tomatoes before adding the chicken prevents them from burning.
4. Not Stirring the Cheese Sauce Enough
- Cheese can clump if it is not stirred consistently while melting.
- Keep the heat at medium-low and stir frequently for a smooth texture.
5. Not Letting the Dish Rest Before Serving
- Allow the pasta to sit for 2-3 minutes before serving to help the flavors fully meld together.
6. Using Cold Dairy Ingredients
- Cold cream and milk can separate in the sauce.
- For best results, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
Recipe Tips
- Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes – Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes tend to be more flavorful and tender than dry-packed ones. If using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes.
- Adjust the spice level – Increase or decrease the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
- Balance the sauce consistency – If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it.
- Enhance the flavors – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of balsamic vinegar can brighten up the dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
- Let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing.
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Avoid leaving the dish out for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Reheating Tips
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Stir frequently until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm. Add a small amount of milk if needed to keep the sauce smooth.
Can You Freeze This Pasta?
- Freezing is not recommended because the creamy sauce may separate upon reheating.
- If you must freeze it, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating with additional cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best, but any pasta shape can be used.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes. Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a mix of cream cheese and milk can be used, but the sauce may be less rich.
What protein can I use instead of chicken?
Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu can be great substitutes.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a small amount of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts
This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is the perfect combination of bold flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying comfort. With its quick preparation time and easy-to-follow steps, this dish is ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Whether served with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables, it is a meal that will impress every time.
Try this recipe and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 10 oz pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken, sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Adobo red top
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Asiago cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon basil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup beef broth
Instructions
Season the Chicken:
- Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, Adobo, and paprika. Set aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes:
- In a large, semi-deep skillet, heat olive oil over low-medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about 3 minutes until slightly browned.
- Remove only the tomatoes and set them aside, leaving the garlic oil mixture in the skillet.
- Chop the cooked tomatoes into smaller pieces and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook on high heat for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, whole milk, basil, red pepper flakes, and beef broth.
- Stir in the mozzarella and Asiago cheese, bringing the mixture to a light boil while stirring constantly.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until well combined.
- Mix in the cooked chicken and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Serve and Enjoy!
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