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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta recipe featuring tender grilled chicken and a silky, tangy sauce perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (drain slightly)
  • 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Basil leaves or Italian seasoning for garnish
  • Optional: ½ cup chicken broth or white wine to loosen sauce

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or dried basil.
  2. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  4. While chicken grills, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
  5. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (30 seconds to 1 minute).
  6. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes to release flavor.
  7. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir frequently until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth (3-4 minutes).
  8. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
  9. Toss drained pasta in the sauce to coat evenly.
  10. Add sliced grilled chicken on top or fold into pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or Italian seasoning.
  11. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and optional sides like green salad or garlic bread.

Notes

If cream cheese is cold, cut into small cubes to melt faster. Avoid boiling sauce after adding cream to prevent separation. Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Let grilled chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. For gluten-free, use chickpea or rice pasta. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, sun-dried tomato, chicken pasta, easy dinner, grilled chicken, creamy sauce, weeknight meal