Name: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound chicken tenderloins (cut into bite-sized pieces); ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (for chicken); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for chicken); 8 ounces jarred sun-dried tomatoes (drained and sliced if large); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (for sauce); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for sauce); ¼ teaspoon chili flakes; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped and packed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 8 reviews

If you're craving a dish that effortlessly combines rich creaminess, tangy bursts of sun-dried tomatoes, and tender pieces of juicy chicken, then this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal. Imagine perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a luscious, flavorful sauce that’s just a little bit spicy and deeply comforting. Every bite is a celebration of colors, textures, and tastes that come together in a way that feels both indulgent and homemade. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or savoring it solo, this recipe is a total winner.

Ingredients You'll Need

The dish shows a pan filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with pieces of light brown cooked chicken and dark red sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a touch of bright color. The creamy sauce coats the pasta evenly, giving a smooth texture with specks of herbs. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a white and green striped cloth partly under it. Around the pan, there is a white bowl filled with grated cheese, a small white bowl with chopped green herbs, a small white dish with red pepper flakes, and a silver spoon on a white scalloped dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting the dish’s signature flavors and satisfying texture. From the creamy Parmesan to the aromatic fresh basil, every element enhances the dish in the best way possible.

8 ounces penne pasta: Choose penne for its perfect ridges and tube shape to catch every bit of sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: A high-quality olive oil gives a silky base to sauté the chicken.
1 pound chicken tenderloins: Tender and quick to cook, they absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully.
½ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances the savory notes of the chicken and pasta.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth to balance the creaminess.
8 ounces jarred sun-dried tomatoes: Drained and sliced if needed, these add intense tang and color.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that binds everything.
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light while enriching flavor.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, savory depth and smoothness.
¼ teaspoon chili flakes: Just a pinch for a subtle kick of heat.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the sauce perfectly.
2 tablespoons cold water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch smoothly into the sauce.
¼ cup fresh basil: Added at the end for fresh, bright herbal notes that lift the whole dish.

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. The salt seasons the pasta from within while cooking. Drop in the penne and cook it just until al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. This ensures your pasta won’t become mushy once tossed with the sauce. Drain and set aside, ready to soak up all the flavorful goodness coming next.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—this will give the chicken a subtle fruity richness. Toss the bite-sized chicken tenderloins with sea salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the outside is lightly browned and the chicken is almost cooked through. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce, so don’t overcook it now or it will become dry.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, letting their sweetness and tang warm through for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth to create a silky sauce base, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese along with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir everything gently and let the mixture simmer for 4 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld together and the Parmesan melts into creamy perfection.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce into a decadent, creamy consistency within a couple of minutes, making it absolutely perfect for coating the pasta and chicken.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now it’s time for the pasta to shine. Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss thoroughly so every piece gets an even coating of that dreamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This step ensures you get the perfect ratio of pasta to sauce and chicken in every forkful.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil

Finally, stir in the chopped fresh basil and let the pasta cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This step allows the basil’s vibrant flavor to infuse the dish without overpowering the rich, creamy sauce. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan and basil if you like for that added touch of flavor and beauty.

How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken Recipe

A deep white bowl filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with sliced cooked chicken pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, and small green basil strips mixed throughout. On top, a light sprinkle of grated cheese adds texture and a mild shine. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred background showing another bowl of pasta and small white ramekins. The overall colors are warm creamy yellows combined with dark green and reds, highlighting the dish's rich and fresh ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really elevate your Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken Recipe, sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few whole basil leaves on top before serving. This adds a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce and makes the presentation pop with color. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes can also add a little extra flair and flavor burst.

Side Dishes

This pasta dish is delightfully filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic-roasted vegetables adds a welcomed textural balance and freshness. A baguette or crusty Italian bread on the side is perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce, turning every bite into an experience you won’t forget.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this dish in shallow bowls topped with edible flowers or fresh lemon zest to brighten things visually and flavor-wise. You can also plate the pasta alongside a small scoop of ricotta sprinkled with herbs for a creamy, cool contrast that complements the warm tomato sauce beautifully. Presentation really makes a difference in how the dish feels and tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken Recipe, be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep perfectly for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the same comforting flavors again without sacrifice.

Freezing

If you want to save this meal for longer, freezing is a good option. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, separating pasta and sauce if possible to avoid texture changes. Frozen portions stay good for up to 2 months. Just remember, fresh basil is best added fresh when reheating rather than freezing.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick or dry. Fresh basil added after reheating will bring back vibrancy to the dish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce well, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti depending on what you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust cooking time according to the pasta type.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free variation, and choose a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor.

How spicy is this recipe with the chili flakes?

The chili flakes add just a gentle warmth to the dish, not heat that overwhelms. You can adjust the amount up or down to fit your spice preference or leave it out entirely if you prefer mild flavors.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes won't have quite the same concentrated sweetness or texture as sun-dried ones, but if fresh are all you have, roasting them first can help deepen their flavor before adding. The dish will be lighter and less tangy.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Cut into a larger piece of chicken to check it's no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. Cooking it just until lightly browned at this stage helps keep it juicy, since it finishes cooking in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that makes weeknight dinners feel special without a ton of fuss. With its balanced flavors, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, it quickly becomes a go-to recipe for family meals or casual entertaining. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Happy cooking!