Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

When it comes to Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, this recipe truly delivers. Imagine penne pasta combined with a rich, creamy sauce, a touch of tomato paste, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes—this dish is absolutely incredible.

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is the ultimate comfort-food recipe for a day when you don’t feel like cooking. Made with tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste, and a creamy sauce, it has a savory depth that warms the soul.

Grated Parmesan cheese gives this sauce a smooth, velvety finish. The combination of al dente pasta, chicken, and creamy sauce makes this a satisfying dinner that feels a little more special than an ordinary pasta dish. Chicken breast is a commonly preferred protein in many households, so finding new ways to enjoy it is essential for keeping meals exciting and fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta takes 25 minutes to make; it is perfect for busy weeknights or for weekends. You can add tanginess with Worcestershire sauce, and you can use other proteins; it requires minimal prep and can be meal-prepped, such as shrimp or crab meat. If you choose a seafood variation, you can swap the sun-dried tomatoes for capers. For extra creaminess, consider crumbled feta cheese, and for heat, jalapeño chilies work well.

Ingredients

Chicken breast, Garlic Cloves, Onion, Tomato Paste, Fresh Cream, Penne Pasta, Balsamic Vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Paprika powder, and Butter.

You can use chicken breast or deboned chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken breasts are more convenient and quicker. Penne is ideal because its ridges and hollow center hold onto the creamy tomato sauce. You can also use tagliatelle, fettuccine, rigatoni or another pasta shape you have available.

Fresh cream creates a lighter, thinner sauce, while heavy cream produces a richer and more luxurious finish. Either works well in this creamy tomato pasta with chicken.

Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar add a sharpness to this dish; they help to balance the richness of the cream. Sun-dried tomatoes have a deep flavor that works well with the combination of ingredients. Paprika adds color; for extra heat, use chili flakes.

Instructions

Begin by rinsing the chicken breasts and cutting them into half-inch cubes. In a pot, add one inch of water along with a small amount of butter, and proceed to shallow-poach the chicken for five minutes.

The chicken is fully cooked when it turns from pink to white. If using shallow poaching, reserve some cooking liquid. In a grill pan, add butter and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown.

Clean the garlic cloves and dice the onions. Add them to the pot with reserved chicken liquid and butter, then sauté until golden brown. Stir in the tomato paste. Cook the pasta for about 8 mins until al dente, reserving some pasta water for later.

Add Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and paprika powder. Mix well. Pour in about three tablespoons of water, and then add the cream.

Mix well, then simmer for 2 minutes. Add the chicken breasts. Mix again. Add the pasta with three tablespoons of pasta water. This will loosen up the sauce and give it a smooth texture.

Slice the sun-dried tomatoes and finely chop parsley. Grate parmesan cheese and add it to the pasta. Garnish and serve.

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a quick and delicious dish to enjoy with loved ones on busy nights.

If you often use chicken breast, try shallow-poaching a large batch to store in the fridge for easy use in various pasta recipes throughout the week. The Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato pasta is ready to be served. Enjoy.

What to Serve with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta?

There are many options for enjoying creamy chicken pasta, such as Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, and zucchini. Salads also pair well with this pasta dish. Consider a vegetarian Caesar salad, a Caprese salad, or a Rocket and red pepper salad, as it will also match the flavour of creamy chicken pasta well. Garlic bread will also pair well with this pasta recipe.

How to store and reheat Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta?

Cool the creamy chicken pasta before refrigerating in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. It can be frozen for 2 to 3 months, but the sauce may separate. To reheat, use the stovetop on medium-low heat with a tablespoon of milk to keep the sauce smooth.

Expert tips for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

We prefer penne pasta, but other types like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or rigatoni work as well. Cook the pasta just under one minute since it will continue to cook in the sauce. Adding pasta water will make the sauce glossy and help it cling to the pasta, enhancing its flavor. For the best result, use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, and sear the chicken to boost flavor. Adding butter or Parmesan cheese increases creaminess for a velvety finish.

Can you use Milk instead of Cream in pasta?

You can substitute milk for cream in creamy chicken pasta, but the sauce will be lighter in texture and richness due to cream’s higher fat content. To thicken the sauce, mix milk with a roux of flour, butter, and cornstarch. Adding butter or Parmesan cheese can enhance the creaminess and flavor of the dish.

What makes the Creamy Chicken Pasta creamier?

Using heavy cream, fresh cream, or whipping cream makes creamy chicken pasta richer due to their high fat content (36-40%). For a lighter option, combine 100 ml of cream with 50 ml of milk. Butter can also enhance the sauce’s smoothness.

To thicken and cream the sauce, use Parmesan, mozzarella, cream cheese, or mascarpone, which adds a tangy flavor. Remember to reserve some starchy pasta water before draining to help thicken the sauce without adding fat. Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent excess starch from making the dish sludgy. Simmer the sauce on low heat to avoid separation and curdling, adding cheese or butter for extra creaminess. Gradually add liquid if the sauce is too thick, and serve immediately to enjoy it at the right temperature.