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Made in one pan and in 30 minutes, this chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is coated in a creamy, garlicky sauce that turns any weeknight into a win.
Chicken Pasta With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
When I'm not making a batch of my creamy chicken alfredo, I'm making this chicken pasta recipe. It's the perfect excuse to use up that half-used jar of sun-dried tomatoes lingering in the fridge, and the flavor they add to the creamy sauce is unreal.
Ingredients
This meal is built from simple ingredients that deliver big flavor. Use penne pasta or any shape you have as the base, plus chicken breasts sliced or cubed so they cook quickly, seasoned with a little salt and paprika. The sun‑dried tomatoes in oil and garlic, plus Italian seasoning and some red pepper flakes, add flavor.
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
If this is your first time making this recipe, watch the quick video below. Otherwise, here is an overview:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Before draining the water, reserve the pasta water.
- Season the chicken and chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cook the chicken in a little of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a skillet with sides. This way, you can toss everything and serve straight from there.
- Make the sauce once the chicken is cooked by adding the remaining ingredients to the pan, then simmering for about 2 minutes.
- Add the pasta to the skillet, toss to combine, then add the reserved pasta water until the sauce is the consistency you like.
- Serve it with a little Parmesan on top.
Other Chicken & Pasta Recipes
Love this type of simple meals? Check out this out-of-this-world blackened chicken pasta or this lemon chicken asparagus pasta.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 4 ounce jar sundried tomatoes in oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cubed or sliced into strips
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup half & half or cream
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Slice the chicken and season it with salt and paprika.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat up a tablespoon of the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the size of the cubes or strips, flipping them over halfway through.
- When the chicken is cooked (the internal temperature has reached 165F) add the sun-dried tomato pieces, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for an additional minute, making sure not to burn the garlic. Pour the half and half into the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and combine it with the sauce. Add ½ cup of the reserved water (make sure it's still hot) and mix it into the pasta. If you like it more saucy, slowly add some of the remaining pasta water.
- Serve and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
Titi says
What would.you suggest as a dairy alternative to.half and half?
Laura Fuentes says
You can use canned coconut milk or an unsweetened dairy-free creamer (sold in the refrigerated section next to the half and half). I hope this helps!
Jill says
If using rotisserie chicken instead, would you recommend just heating it through with the sundried tomato oil?
Laura Fuentes says
Great Q! I use about 2-3 cups of chopped rotisserie chicken for this recipe all the time. I heat it through with the sauce, simmering for about 5 minutes, before mixing it with the pasta.
Barbara Rosiek says
is there something i could use instead of half & half? could I use milk
Laura Fuentes says
Whole milk will work as well!
Rewari says
I made this Sun-dried Tomato Pasta for my family tonight. I had to double the recipe since my family is large. It was amazing. And my son requested that this be made for his birthday meal. AMAZING.
Thank you for posting this recipe