If you are absolutely craving a meal that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is the perfect answer. Imagine tender, well-seasoned chicken seared to golden perfection, tossed with al dente pasta, all wrapped up in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with the bright tang of sun-dried tomatoes and lemon. Each bite offers a lovely balance of savory, zesty, and rich flavors that will have you reaching for seconds without a second thought. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and can turn any casual dinner into a special occasion you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four raw chicken thighs with skin showing a pale yellow color and light pink meat underneath are placed on a white cutting board. Each piece is sprinkled with coarse salt and cracked black pepper, with some dried herbs adding texture on top. To the right of the chicken is a small round wooden bowl holding coarse salt and herbs. The cutting board rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—every item here is simple but crucial, giving the dish its wonderful layers of taste, texture, and color. Each component works together to bring out the best in this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe.

1 lb chicken thighs or chicken breast: Chosen for tender juiciness and quick cooking time.
1/2 tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing overall flavor.
1/4 tsp pepper: Gives your chicken a gentle kick without overpowering.
1/4 tsp dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy, herbal note.
1/4 tsp dried basil: Brings a sweet, aromatic hint reminiscent of Italian classics.
1 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
12 oz dry pasta: Use your favorite kind, but something like penne or rigatoni works beautifully to hold sauce.
4 oz sun-dried tomatoes in a jar: The star ingredient delivering intense tomato flavor and chewy texture.
1 tsp sun-dried tomato oil from the jar: Concentrates the tomato flavor in the sauce.
2 tsp lemon zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness to balance richness.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Boosts tanginess and lightness.
3 tbsp butter: Creates a silky, luscious base for the sauce.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Builds aromatic depth in the sauce.
1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Provides savory body and moisture for the sauce.
3/4 cup heavy cream: Adds necessary creaminess and a velvety texture.
1/2 cup Parmigiano cheese, freshly grated: For a nutty, salty finish that melts perfectly.
Handful of fresh spinach: Delivers color, freshness, and a touch of earthiness.

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Begin by mixing kosher salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried basil together. Rub this aromatic blend evenly all over your chicken. This step infuses flavor right at the start, making sure each bite of chicken bursts with herbaceous goodness.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering. Place your chicken in the pan and allow it to develop a beautiful golden crust on the first side before flipping. This golden layer locks in moisture and delivers that satisfying texture contrast against the tender interior.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Thoroughly

After searing, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid. This gentle cooking finishes the chicken while keeping it juicy—no drying out here.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your chicken is finishing up, cook your pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions. Be sure to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is magic later for loosening the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Blend the Sun-Dried Tomato Medley

Throw the sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of the oil from their jar, lemon juice, and lemon zest into a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times until it becomes a coarse, flavorful paste—the vivid base that will make the sauce sing.

Step 6: Melt Butter and Build the Sauce

Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Melt butter in the same pan, then sauté the minced garlic and your sun-dried tomato paste for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the garlic to soften without burning.

Step 7: Add Liquids and Simmer

Whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, add freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and reduce the heat to low, continuing to whisk until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 8: Incorporate Spinach and Thicken Sauce

Toss in a big handful of fresh spinach, cover, and simmer slowly until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens to a rich consistency—this is where silky goodness really develops.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, stirring well to coat each piece. Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir back into the pan, letting everything heat through together for a few minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is beautifully combined and warm, your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is ready to be served straight from the pan. Simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with penne pasta covered in a creamy orange-red sauce. There are pieces of light brown cooked chicken and some dark green spinach leaves mixed in with the pasta. The sauce looks smooth with visible red pepper flakes sprinkled throughout. The pasta sits on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is rich and hearty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley takes this dish to the next level, adding a bright green pop and fresh herbal aroma. For a final touch, a grating of extra Parmigiano enhances the cheese factor beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp mixed greens salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread. Both sides add fantastic texture contrasts, making the whole meal feel balanced and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests or elevate a weeknight dinner, try serving the pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a few whole sun-dried tomatoes scattered on top. For extra flair, a lemon wedge on the side invites everyone to add a little extra brightness to their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so you might find it even tastier after a day when the flavors have melded further.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers, but choose a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. To prevent the cream sauce from separating too much, freeze the pasta and chicken separately from the sauce if possible.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and keep the dish creamy. Microwaving works in a pinch but watch the time carefully to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine in this recipe; just be mindful to cook them until juicy but not dry, as breasts tend to lose moisture faster than thighs.

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli are excellent choices because their shapes hold onto the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce wonderfully, making every bite flavorful.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can swap chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or for protein options such as tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and perhaps use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How can I intensify the sun-dried tomato flavor?

Adding extra sun-dried tomato oil or garnishing with chopped sun-dried tomatoes provides a stronger, tangier tomato punch. Roasting sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding also deepens their sweetness.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and substitute Parmigiano with a vegan cheese to retain creaminess and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe has become an absolute favorite of mine, and I can’t wait for you to experience how satisfying and delightful it is. It’s approachable yet impressive enough for company, and every ingredient sings in harmony. Once you try it, I’m sure it will find a happy place on your regular dinner rotation—just like it has in mine!