If you’re craving a dish that somehow combines comfort, a touch of gourmet flair, and a burst of vibrant flavors all in one pot, you’ve found it with this One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender chicken mingling with sun-dried tomatoes’ rich complexity, fresh spinach’s bright freshness, and creamy, cheesy sauce coating every hearty pasta bite—this recipe not only satisfies hunger but also makes cooking feel like a joyous, fuss-free experience. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role: the golden chicken brings protein and savory depth, sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness, and the blend of cheeses creates that luscious creaminess that turns a simple pasta into pure comfort food.
- Chicken breasts (2, bite-sized): Your protein base, tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the chicken to perfection and sauté the veggies.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle garlic punch without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings fragrant herbs for a classic Italian flavor profile.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): A gentle heat kick that keeps things interesting.
- Shallots (1 cup, diced): These add a delicate sweetness and soften the dish’s flavor layers.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, chopped): The star ingredient for that tangy, savory burst.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic amps up the aroma and depth of the sauce.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): The cooking liquid that infuses every ingredient with savory goodness.
- Medium pasta (1 cup; penne, fusilli, or farfalle): Holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Adds a pop of green and a healthy boost to round out the dish.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Creates the dreamiest, silkiest sauce imaginable.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Sharp, nutty flavor that enriches and thickens the sauce.
- Milk (½ cup): Adds creaminess without heaviness, balancing all the rich flavors.
- Fresh basil (for garnish): Brightens up the dish with herbaceous freshness at the end.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
First thing’s first: heat that olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces and season generously with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until each piece is golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for flavor, sealing in juiciness and building a savory base. Once cooked, set the chicken aside—you’ll bring it back soon.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add a splash more olive oil if needed, then toss in diced shallots, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly minced garlic. Let them cook gently for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, releasing that sweet, intense aroma sun-dried tomatoes are famous for. This mixture creates a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything up to a lively boil. Stir in your pasta and reduce the heat to medium. Keep an eye on it as it simmers for about 15-20 minutes, stirring every now and then to prevent sticking. During the last minute, toss in the fresh spinach so it wilts just right without losing that bright green color—this adds a fresh contrast to the creamy richness ahead.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Once the pasta is tender, it’s time for the creamy indulgence. Stir in softened cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly so everything melts smoothly into a luxuriously thick sauce. Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the milk, gently heating everything through. Watch as the sauce thickens and the flavors meld into one irresistibly creamy combination.
Step 5: Serve
This is the best part. Ladle your homemade, dreamy One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe into bowls or plates, then garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve it hot and watch the smiles spread around the table!
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves aren’t just decoration—they add a refreshing herbal note that perfectly balances the dish’s rich creaminess. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salt-kissed finish that makes every bite pop. For a little extra flair, a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dash of cracked black pepper really elevates the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and flavorful, so light, crisp sides work beautifully. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette contrasts wonderfully with the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread also makes a fantastic accompaniment—perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add color and a healthy crunch to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow friends or family? Serve this pasta dish in individual mini cast iron skillets or pretty, shallow bowls topped artistically with basil leaves and parmesan shavings. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chili flakes on top for texture and a subtle heat. For a festive touch, add a side of lemon wedges to brighten up each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is easy to keep fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after resting overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Because of the cream cheese and milk, the texture might change slightly, but reheating with a splash of milk or broth helps bring back its creamy goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Stir frequently, adding a little milk or broth as needed to refresh the creamy sauce and prevent drying out. It’s just as comforting the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use different pasta for this One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, and farfalle are all great because they hold sauce well, but you can swap in fusilli, rotini, or even farfalle depending on what you have on hand. Just keep cooking times in mind since some pasta shapes cook faster than others.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and Parmesan with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat to keep it creamy without dairy. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is best here for that tender texture and bright color, but if frozen is all you have, thaw and drain it well before adding at the end of cooking. This prevents excess moisture from thinning the sauce.
How spicy is this One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The recipe includes just a small pinch of red pepper flakes, so it has a mild, gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce without being overpowering. You can always adjust the heat to your preference by adding more or less.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You might want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian—flavorful and comforting all the same!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that comes together in one pot and still feels like a little celebration. This One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly that—a dish bursting with comforting flavors, easy enough for any weeknight yet impressive enough for company. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this creamy, dreamy pasta adventure today!
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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a deliciously rich and easy-to-make meal combining tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy parmesan cheese sauce. All cooked in a single pot for effortless cleanup and satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
- 1 cup shallots, diced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
Pasta
- 1 cup medium pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Extra parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the diced shallots, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until they are softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or farfalle) to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to medium and let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. During the last minute of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach so it wilts slightly.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the softened cream cheese and parmesan cheese into the pot until they melt and combine smoothly with the broth, forming a creamy sauce. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the milk. Stir well to combine and cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve this rich and creamy chicken pasta hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use any medium pasta such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle for this recipe.
- To deepen flavor, sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be used instead of dry-packed; just reduce the olive oil added to the pot accordingly.
- The dish can be made creamier by adding a splash more milk or cream cheese based on your preference.
- Fresh basil adds a bright finish; if unavailable, dried basil or parsley can be substituted.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- This recipe is gluten-friendly if using gluten-free pasta.
