Go Back
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 2 cups heavy cream - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Skillet - Large pot - Cooking utensils I love using simple and fresh ingredients for this dish. The chicken breasts provide protein, while the fettuccine pasta gives that comforting base. Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor that shines through in every bite. Heavy cream creates that rich, creamy sauce we all crave. Don't forget the olive oil and garlic; they bring warmth and depth to the dish. The Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, making it extra cheesy. Dried basil and oregano add a nice herbal touch, elevating the overall flavor. For tools, a large pot is crucial for cooking the pasta. A skillet is needed for the chicken and sauce. Basic cooking utensils like a spatula and a knife will make your prep smooth and easy. Gather these ingredients and tools, and you’re ready to make a truly delightful meal! To boil pasta properly, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This step adds flavor to your pasta. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. When done, drain the pasta, but do not forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. This water will help thicken the sauce later. While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil hot, but not smoking. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This step is key for great flavor. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown finish. Ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center. After cooking, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into thin strips. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to become fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Next, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavor. After that, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes. This reduces the broth slightly. Then, add heavy cream along with dried basil and oregano. Stir until everything blends well and begins to bubble gently. Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to mix in the pasta. Toss the cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet. Make sure each strand is coated in the sauce. Add the sliced chicken into the mix. Stir everything together until well combined and warmed through. If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Make sure to taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed with extra salt and pepper. To thin the sauce, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water. This water has starch, which helps bind the sauce to the pasta. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer. This will allow it to reduce and thicken up. Taste the sauce and adjust flavors using salt, pepper, or herbs. A pinch of sugar can balance out acidity from tomatoes. You can grill or bake chicken instead of pan-searing. Grilling adds a smoky flavor, while baking keeps it juicy. Marinating chicken is great too. Use olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs to add flavor. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking for the best taste. For a beautiful dish, serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese on top. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine and richness. Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a light white wine. It makes for a delightful meal. {{image_4}} You can easily change this dish to fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Using Different Pasta Types: If you want a twist, try penne or rigatoni. They hold the sauce well. You can even use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. - Substituting Proteins or Vegetables: Chicken is great, but feel free to switch it up. Use shrimp or tofu for a new flavor. You can also add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients. Making this dish fit your dietary needs is simple. Here’s how: - Making It Gluten-Free: Substitute the fettuccine with gluten-free pasta. You can find many options at your local store. - Vegan Alternatives to Chicken and Cream: Use chickpeas or mushrooms instead of chicken. For cream, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These swaps keep the dish rich and tasty. Want to add a little more flair? Consider these options: - Adding Spices or Herbs for Variation: You can boost the flavor with red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. They add freshness and depth. - Incorporating Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, feel free to mix in mozzarella or feta. They bring unique textures and flavors to the dish. To keep your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This keeps the pasta safe and tasty. Make sure it cools before sealing it up. The pasta can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When reheating pasta, use low heat. This helps avoid overcooking. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps the pasta moist. Stir gently to keep the creamy sauce smooth. You can freeze this dish for later. Allow it to cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it well to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To use frozen pasta, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little cream or broth if needed to revive the creamy texture. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents sogginess. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here’s how: - Cook the Chicken and Sauce: You can cook the chicken and sauce up to 2 days in advance. - Store Separately: Keep the cooked pasta separate from the sauce. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy. - Reheat Gently: When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together over low heat. Then add the pasta and mix well. Here are some great side dishes and drinks to pair with this pasta: - Garlic Bread: This adds a crunchy texture and is great for soaking up the sauce. - Side Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the creamy pasta. - Wine Pairing: A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, complements the dish well. In this post, we covered how to make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. We explored the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great flavors. It's essential to boil pasta correctly and cook the chicken thoroughly for the best result. Remember to adjust your sauce for best taste and consider various ingredient swaps. This dish can adapt to different diets too. Enjoy storing and reheating your leftovers properly to maintain flavor. With these tips, you can create a delicious meal that impresses every time.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a bowl of creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta that's bursting with flavor! This quick and delicious recipe combines tender chicken, rich cream, and savory sun-dried tomatoes for a comforting meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner, it’s sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your pasta night with this irresistible dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta but reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

      Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavor.

        Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. Next, add the heavy cream along with the dried basil and oregano. Stir the mixture consistently until everything is well combined and begins to bubble gently.

          Incorporate Cheese: Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring as you do so until the cheese completely melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If you find the sauce too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

            Combine Pasta and Chicken: Toss the cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated. Add the sliced chicken into the mix, stirring everything together until well combined and warmed through.

              Final Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary with additional salt and pepper if desired.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pasta in shallow bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves on top and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an appealing touch. Optionally, drizzle a little extra olive oil for added richness and shine before serving.