If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that comes together in just 45 minutes, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe for you. With juicy chicken, vibrant spinach, and a luscious sun-dried tomato garlic sauce, this dish is packed with bold Italian flavors. The best part? It’s a one-pot meal, meaning minimal cleanup while still delivering restaurant-quality taste.
Sun-dried tomatoes bring a unique sweet and tangy depth of flavor that enhances the creamy garlic sauce, while Parmesan cheese and cream cheese create the ultimate indulgent texture. Fusilli or penne pasta perfectly absorbs the sauce, ensuring each bite is bursting with deliciousness.
This pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. ✔ Rich & Creamy: The combination of cream cheese, milk, and Parmesan creates a velvety smooth sauce. ✔ Bold Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning add an irresistible taste. ✔ Protein-Packed: With 52g of protein per serving, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing. ✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight meals, date nights, or dinner parties. ✔ Customizable: Easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning (brings out classic Italian flavors)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (for a slight kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- ½ cup diced shallots (adds sweetness and flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, grated (for aromatic depth)
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (adds sweet and tangy notes)
- 8 ounces uncooked fusilli or penne pasta (absorbs the sauce perfectly)
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (flavors the pasta while cooking)
- 2 cups packed baby spinach (adds freshness and nutrients)
- 2 ounces low-fat cream cheese, room temperature (for creaminess)
- 1 cup whole milk (helps create a rich sauce)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for a nutty, salty bite)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- If needed, add a little more olive oil to the same pot.
- Add diced shallots, garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Pour in the uncooked fusilli or penne pasta.
- Lower the heat to medium and let the pasta cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring often.
- During the last minute of cooking, add in the baby spinach and stir until wilted.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan until they melt and fully incorporate into the sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Pour in the whole milk and stir until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.
- Remove the pasta from heat and top with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
🔥 Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so always grate fresh Parmesan for the best texture.
🌿 Don’t Overcook the Spinach – Add it just before serving to preserve its bright color and nutrients.
🥛 Use Whole Milk or Heavy Cream – For an extra rich and creamy sauce, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
🍗 Swap Chicken for Shrimp – This recipe works just as well with shrimp or even Italian sausage for a different protein option.
🌶️ Adjust Spice Level – If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish is hearty on its own but pairs well with:
🥖 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
🥗 Side Salad – A light arugula or Caesar salad adds freshness.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
🍷 Wine Pairing – Enjoy with a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect flavor match.
Storage & Reheating
To Store:
- Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
- Stovetop: Reheat on low, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing:
- Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 568 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 52g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 114mg
- Sodium: 311mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and tangy flavors. The tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach come together in a luxurious Parmesan sauce that coats every bite of pasta beautifully. With minimal prep and one-pan convenience, it’s a fantastic choice for both quick weeknight meals and elegant dinner gatherings.
Print
🍝 Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta – A One-Pot Italian Delight! 🍅✨
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4
Description
This one-pot creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is bursting with Italian flavors and comes together in just 45 minutes! Tender seasoned chicken, baby spinach, and a garlic-infused sun-dried tomato sauce make this a comforting yet easy meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
✔️ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔️ 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
✔️ ½ tsp garlic powder
✔️ 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
✔️ ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
✔️ Salt & black pepper, to taste
✔️ ½ cup diced shallots
✔️ 2 cloves garlic, grated
✔️ ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained & chopped
✔️ 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta (uncooked)
✔️ 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
✔️ 2 cups packed baby spinach
✔️ 2 oz low-fat cream cheese (room temp)
✔️ 1 cup whole milk
✔️ ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
✔️ 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
🔸 Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
🔸 Add chicken, spreading it in a single layer.
🔸 Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
🔸 Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
🔸 If needed, add more oil to the skillet.
🔸 Sauté shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic for 2 minutes.
🔸 Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits. Bring to a boil.
3️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
🔸 Add pasta and reduce heat to medium.
🔸 Cook until al dente (15-20 minutes), stirring often.
🔸 In the last minute, stir in spinach until wilted.
4️⃣ Make it Creamy:
🔸 Stir in cream cheese and Parmesan until melted.
🔸 Return chicken to the skillet and pour in milk.
🔸 Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve:
🔸 Taste and adjust seasoning.
🔸 Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
✔️ For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of milk.
✔️ Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes.
✔️ Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 568 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 8g per serving
- Sodium: 311mg per serving
- Fat: 15g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 55g per serving
- Fiber: 3g per serving
- Protein: 52g per serving