If you’re craving a creamy, vibrant, and soul-satisfying meal that wows with very little effort, you need to try One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. Imagine golden seared chicken, savory sun dried tomatoes, and velvety Parmesan sauce coming together in just one pot – and all under 30 minutes! This dish brings restaurant-level flavor straight to your own kitchen, and it’s secretly simple enough for any night of the week. With every comforting, creamy bite, you’ll taste the just-right balance of richness, tang, and fresh herbaceous notes that make this a true keeper!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the stars of the show! Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a punch of umami, or a burst of color. With such a short ingredient list, you’ll find each one earns its spot.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces, the chicken provides hearty protein and soaks up all the flavors of the sauce.
- Olive oil: Sautéing the chicken and aromatics in olive oil layers in extra fruity richness – use extra virgin for more flavor.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the base with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Sun dried tomatoes: These sweet-tangy tomatoes are chopped and packed with chewy flavor that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs (usually oregano, basil, thyme) gives a Mediterranean backbone to the whole dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For just a gentle kick – totally up to your spice preference!
- Chicken broth: This is our liquid gold, simmering the pasta and building lots of savory flavor right in the pot.
- Penne pasta: Tubular and sturdy, penne stands up to creamy sauces and soaks up every delicious drop.
- Heavy cream: Rich and luscious, this is what makes our sauce so velvety and decadent.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a must for that salty, nutty depth you can’t fake with pre-shredded!
- Baby spinach: Adds a fresh green finish and makes this pasta as lovely as it is delicious.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste at every step.
- Fresh basil: The finishing flourish – aromatic, colorful, and incredibly uplifting.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, add them to the hot oil, and let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want them golden on the outside and fully cooked inside – this is where they pick up so much lovely caramelized flavor. Once the chicken’s beautifully browned, scoop it onto a plate and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Don’t wipe out the skillet! Lower the heat just a bit, then toss the minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes into that gorgeous leftover oil. Give them a quick stir for 1 to 2 minutes, just until fragrant – this blooming process draws out all those deep, tangy tomato notes and infuses the oil with garlic magic.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning (and crushed red pepper flakes, if you love a little heat!) right into the skillet. Stir so the flavors meld and the herbs become fragrant. Now pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom for ultimate flavor payoff. Bring the broth to a good boil – it’s the beginning of your one-pot miracle!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the penne right into the boiling broth. Stir well, making sure each piece is snugly nestled so it cooks evenly. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. Give it the occasional stir – you want al dente pasta and most of the liquid absorbed, becoming creamy and thick right in the pot.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Bring It Together
Once your pasta is just about perfect, stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and the browned chicken you cooked earlier. Toss in the baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Every ingredient is wrapped in luscious, sun dried tomato-infused sauce, ready for the grand finale.
Step 6: Taste, Adjust, and Finish
Before serving, taste your masterpiece and adjust for salt and pepper. Scoop the pasta into bowls or onto plates, then sprinkle generously with torn fresh basil. The One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is ready to wow!
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A scattering of vibrant fresh basil leaves does more than just look pretty – it adds a zingy, garden-fresh pop that perfectly complements the velvety sauce. Add a little more freshly grated Parmesan on top and, for those who like it extra spicy, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes transforms each serving into something truly memorable.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to fly solo, but if you want to round out your meal, pair your One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted vegetables. Warm, crusty bread is never a bad idea for mopping up all that creamy sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For maximum style, serve the pasta directly from the pot at the table for a family-style feast. Or spoon it into shallow bowls and top with a dramatic tangle of basil ribbons. Hosting a dinner party? Serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets or mini Dutch ovens for a touch of rustic elegance that will have everyone reaching for their phone cameras.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weekday lunches a total treat.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers and cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture; note that the sauce may separate a little when reheated, but a splash of extra cream or broth quickly brings everything back together.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through and silky. For individual portions, the microwave works well – just cover and heat in one-minute intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor to One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook them exactly as you would the breasts.
Is this recipe gluten free?
This dish can be easily made gluten free by swapping the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and all the other ingredients are naturally gluten free, so you won’t lose any of that amazing flavor!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This pasta is a great canvas for extras like sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even some steamed broccoli. Stir in your favorites along with the spinach for a veggie-packed twist.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or even full-fat coconut milk if you want a dairy-free alternative. Just remember the sauce might be slightly less thick, but still so tasty.
How spicy is the finished pasta?
The crushed red pepper flakes are totally optional, and you can use as much or as little as you like. Add them at the end for a gentle warmth, or skip them entirely if you prefer your One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta on the mild side.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted the comfort and bold flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta, there’s a good chance it’ll become a favorite in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish proves that true deliciousness can come together fast and without any fuss. Give it a try – I just know you’ll be going back for seconds!
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One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful meal with this One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and spinach combined with penne pasta in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce make for a satisfying dinner that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Chicken Pasta:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook in olive oil until golden brown. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook garlic and sun dried tomatoes. Add seasoning.
- Cook Pasta: Pour in broth, add pasta, cook until al dente.
- Finish Dish: Stir in cream, Parmesan, cooked chicken, and spinach. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with basil.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- For extra richness, add 2 tablespoons of the sun dried tomato oil from the jar along with the olive oil.
- This dish reheats well with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
