If you’re looking for a dinner that feels special without needing to pull out every pan you own, look no further: One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is pure weeknight magic. With juicy chicken, a silky-smooth tomato cream sauce, and tender pasta all cooked together in one pot, you get big Italian-inspired flavor and minimal clean-up. The sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan add a punchy depth, and even the spinach gets a chance to shine. This dish is perfect for a cozy family meal or impressing unexpected guests—no one will know just how easy it was to pull together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is in its simplicity—every ingredient plays an essential role. From the robust sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy finish of Parmesan, each item creates the distinctive flavor, luscious texture, and gorgeous pops of color in every scoop.
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing the chicken and infusing flavor into the entire dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Lean protein that absorbs all the yummy spices and sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Brings an herby backbone, making the dish taste like your favorite trattoria meal.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory undertone that complements the fresh garlic perfectly.
- Salt: Central for seasoning every layer and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and spice without overpowering the sauce.
- Fresh garlic (minced): The real deal for that classic, aromatic punch as the base for the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped): Intensely sweet, tangy, and colorful—the secret star of this pasta!
- Penne or short pasta: Perfectly soaks up that decadent creamy sauce—choose your favorite shape.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Cooks the pasta and layers in savory depth to the sauce without making it salty.
- Heavy cream: The key to that dreamy, silky-smooth texture we all crave.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty, cheesy goodness and a touch of umami.
- Baby spinach (optional): Toss in a few handfuls for bright color, added nutrients, and a fresh finish.
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of torn basil leaves at the end brings everything together beautifully.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces along with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. This first step is where the flavor magic begins, searing the chicken so it stays juicy and soaks up all those delicious spices.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let everything cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible. The garlic gives a wonderful aroma, and the sun-dried tomatoes release their rich sweetness, building those signature layers of flavor in the base of the One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta.
Step 3: Toast the Pasta and Simmer
Pour the uncooked pasta and chicken broth right into the pot. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything well, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks, cooking until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. The noodles absorb all those savory juices, becoming ultra-flavorful while keeping the process blissfully hands-off.
Step 4: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Spinach
Now, stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes lusciously creamy and smooth. If you’re adding spinach, toss it in and stir just until wilted—this only takes a minute. The creamy sauce hugs every bite, and the spinach adds a lovely pop of green for balance. Your One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is ready for center stage!
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese right before serving. The basil’s peppery freshness and the salty kick from extra cheese make each bite even more irresistible. For a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is a game-changer.
Side Dishes
This rich One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad in a tangy vinaigrette or simple roasted veggies. Add warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce—it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone linger at the table a little longer.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle the pasta into colorful bowls, swirl it high for a dramatic effect, or toss everything onto a large platter and top with a flurry of chopped herbs for a family-style feast. For an extra-special touch, serve the pasta in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—they’ll keep every portion warm and look adorable on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly—it will keep fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mingle and intensify a bit overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
While creamy sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, you can freeze this pasta if needed. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and be sure to stir well when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as comforting the next day.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is classic, any short pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or even shells will work beautifully in One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. Just adjust the simmering time if needed for different shapes.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes are a key flavor here, but you can substitute with roasted red peppers for a different twist. The result will be a bit sweeter and less tangy, but still delicious!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra spinach, mushrooms, or even cannellini beans to keep the pasta hearty and satisfying.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
To adapt for a dairy-free diet, swap in a plant-based cream (like cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk) and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative. The sauce will still be luxurious and flavorful!
How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to get creative with vegetables—add sautéed zucchini, roasted cherry tomatoes, or frozen peas along with the spinach. It’s a fuss-free way to sneak in more color and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to give One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta a try—there’s just something special about bringing a dish like this to the table and watching everyone’s eyes light up. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned home cook, this creamy, flavor-packed dinner is sure to find a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation!
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One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that comes together quickly in just one pot. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta are cooked in a creamy sauce for a comforting meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil and drained)
- 12 ounces penne or your favorite short pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet. Cook chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until browned.
- Add Ingredients: Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sauté until fragrant. Stir in pasta and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Add spinach if desired, garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in herb-infused oil.
- You can also swap in rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add crushed red pepper for a little heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
