Introduction

Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and familiar.
With tender chicken, silky cream sauce, bold sundried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta,
this recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to your table.

The richness of the cream is balanced by the deep, slightly tangy flavor of sundried tomatoes,
creating a sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Whether prepared for a cozy family
dinner or an impressive gathering, this pasta delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction.

Ingredients (Full & Detailed List)

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or chicken tenders
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Sundried Tomato Sauce

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sundried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
• 1–2 tbsp sundried tomato oil (for deep flavor)
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, bowtie, rigatoni)
• Salted boiling water

Optional Add-Ins

• Fresh spinach (1–2 handfuls)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Sliced mushrooms
• Extra parmesan cheese
• A splash of white wine

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season & Cook the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry to ensure proper browning.
2. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Season both sides generously.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
6. Remove, slice, and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
4. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

A. Sauté Aromatics

1. Add sundried tomato oil if needed.
2. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add sundried tomatoes and cook briefly.

B. Add Liquids

1. Deglaze with chicken broth.
2. Lower heat and add heavy cream.

C. Season

1. Add Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Simmer gently until thickened.

4. Add Parmesan

1. Stir parmesan slowly into the sauce.
2. Simmer until smooth and creamy.

5. Add Spinach (Optional)

Stir in spinach until just wilted.

6. Return Chicken to the Sauce

Add chicken back and simmer briefly.

7. Combine Pasta & Sauce

Toss pasta with sauce, adding pasta water as needed.

8. Taste & Adjust

Adjust seasoning, cheese, or herbs to taste.

Methods Summary

• Pan-searing for flavor development
• Deglazing for rich sauce depth
• Gentle simmering for creamy texture
• Finishing with pasta water for silkiness

History of Sundried Tomato Pasta

Sundried tomatoes originated as a preservation method in Mediterranean regions,
particularly Italy. Drying tomatoes under the sun concentrated their sweetness
and allowed year-round use. When combined with cream and pasta, this rustic
ingredient evolved into a modern comfort dish loved worldwide.

Benefits

• High protein from chicken
• Calcium and richness from parmesan
• Antioxidants from sundried tomatoes
• Comforting and satisfying meal
• Customizable to many diets and tastes

Formation (Why This Dish Works)

The balance of creamy fat, savory protein, and acidic tomatoes creates harmony.
Pasta water binds the sauce, while parmesan adds umami depth. Each element
supports the others for a cohesive, luxurious dish.

Variations

• Creamy Chicken & Spinach Version
• Sundried Tomato Alfredo Style
• Pesto Sundried Tomato Pasta
• Moroccan-Inspired with cumin & smoked paprika
• Shrimp Sundried Tomato Pasta

Conclusion

Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal—it is comfort, warmth,
and indulgence in one bowl. Its bold flavors and creamy texture make it a
timeless favorite for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

For the Lovers of Creamy Pasta

If you love rich sauces, tender chicken, and deeply flavorful pasta dishes,
this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It invites creativity,