If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity in one delightful meal, let me introduce you to the One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. This recipe captures the essence of cozy dinners with tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce all coming together effortlessly in a single pot. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without any fuss, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal cleanup. The marriage of hearty pasta, savory seasonings, and silky cream cheese creates an unforgettable dinner experience that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this dish is delightfully straightforward because it relies on simple, well-chosen ingredients that each add a unique touch — from the tender chicken to the vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and the creamy cheeses that tie everything together. Each component plays a role in building a rich, flavorful texture and a beautiful color palette that’s as appetizing visually as it is on the palate.
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: The star protein that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For imparting richness and helping to sauté ingredients evenly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a foundational warm garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that brings that timeless Italian taste.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Introduces just the right hint of heat for balance.
- 1 cup shallots, diced: Mellow and slightly sweet, they enhance the base flavor beautifully.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: The tangy, intense flavor that makes this recipe so memorable.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic punches up the aroma and savory depth.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta and builds the sauce.
- 1 cup medium pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle): Perfect shapes that hold onto the tasty sauce.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds nutrition and vibrant green color in the final moments of cooking.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty kick to enhance the creaminess.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens and loosens the sauce for the perfect consistency.
- Fresh basil, for garnish: A fragrant finish that brightens every bite.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, plus salt and pepper to your liking. Cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once ready, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside so we can build the rest of the dish in the same flavorful pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add a splash more olive oil if needed, then toss in the diced shallots, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Let these cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shallots soften and the aromas fill your kitchen. This step creates a delicious flavor foundation that will complement the chicken and pasta beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Now, pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice — penne, fusilli, or farfalle work wonderfully. Reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta cook in the broth for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. During the last minute, stir in fresh spinach to wilt it gently, adding a lovely pop of color and nutrition.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, it’s time to create that dreamy sauce. Stir in the softened cream cheese and parmesan cheese until they melt smoothly into the pot. Then, add the cooked chicken back into the mix along with the milk, stirring everything until heated through and wonderfully creamy. This step is pure magic, turning everything into a harmonious, rich, and luscious meal.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish your creation with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese for a final touch of flavor and elegance. Serve it hot and enjoy the comforting flavors that make this One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe truly special.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your dish with fresh basil leaves on top just before serving—this adds an herbaceous pop that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few chili flakes can add extra texture and a kick of spice.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread enhances the meal with contrasting textures and flavors. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness brilliantly, while crusty bread invites you to scoop up every bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this pasta in shallow bowls, neat nests of creamy chicken pasta topped with a basil sprig and a dusting of parmesan. To make it more festive, drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil and add cherry tomato halves on the side for color and a fresh burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal that’s just as satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by transferring the pasta to a freezer-safe container. It should last for up to 2 months frozen. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or broth to restore that creamy sauce consistency. Microwave works too — just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly and keep the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through and tender.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes works best?
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will give a richer flavor and easier chopping, but dry-packed ones rehydrated in warm water work well too. Just be sure to drain them well before adding to the recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for heartiness. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Is it possible to use dairy-free alternatives?
Definitely. Substitute cream cheese and milk with your favorite dairy-free versions, and use a vegan parmesan to maintain the creamy and cheesy goodness without dairy.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick—not overpowering at all. If you prefer no heat, feel free to omit them completely; the dish will still be flavorful and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become a cherished favorite in my kitchen because it offers huge flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s the kind of meal that feels special yet approachable, perfect for both busy nights and relaxed weekends. I can’t recommend it enough — give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to comfort dishes, too!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make Italian-inspired meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are sautéed and combined with sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, and garlic, then cooked together with pasta in a creamy sauce made from cream cheese, parmesan, and spinach. The dish is finished with fresh basil for a fragrant touch and served hot for a comforting and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Pasta
- 1 cup shallots, diced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup medium pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Extra parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Then, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced shallots, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta to the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Cook the pasta for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente. Add the fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking so it wilts into the pasta.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the softened cream cheese and parmesan cheese until they melt and create a creamy sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, pour in the milk, and stir well. Continue cooking until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the dish hot, enjoying a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal.
Notes
- Use medium pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle for best sauce coating.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are oil-packed, drain excess oil before using.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy melting into the sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
