Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes

This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes is rich, flavorful and perfect for weeknight comfort. Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts, tender linguini and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce come together with melty cheeses and crispy bacon for a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, without leaving your kitchen.

It's an easy pasta recipe that's ideal for busy weeknights yet elevated enough for a weekend dinner with friends. Pair it with crusty bread or a side of veggies and you've got a one-pot win the whole family will love.

One pot meals are a great way to save time in the kitchen! If you want more of them, you have to try our Guinness Lamb Stew or our Pork and Beef Chili.

Ingredients

With just a quick trip to the grocery store, you will be ready to make this creamy pasta recipe.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Bacon: Adds saltiness and richness.
• Chicken Breast: A staple protein for this recipe.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every layer.
• Butter: Helps soften the onion and adds richness to the base of the sauce; olive oil can be used if preferred.
• White Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once cooked down over medium heat.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet and tangy, these are the star of the sauce.
• Garlic Paste or Minced Garlic: Adds flavor.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Helps cook the pasta and adds to the sauce; any stock variety can be used. If not using low sodium I would not add any additional salt until you taste at the end.
• Linguini or Spaghetti Pasta: Choose your favorite long or short noddle for this recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce and brings salty, nutty flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy base with a slightly tangy bite.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Rounds out the sauce and gives it that velvety, rich finish.

For this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe, you'll want to have on hand a large skillet, spatula, measuring cups and spoons and a meat thermometer (we love this one from ThermoWorks).

Variations

• Pasta Types: Swap linguini for penne pasta or rotini for more texture; alternatively, any long noodle works great too.
• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
• Add-Ins: Near the end of cooking, stir in baby spinach for a classic Tuscan pasta vibe.
• Heat Boost: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chilli flakes.
• Lighter Version: Sub half-and-half or whole milk for a slightly lighter sauce.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes

This creamy chicken pasta comes together easily in one pan with layered flavor and minimal cleanup.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook bacon to desired crispiness. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate and reserve the grease.

If desired, pound the chicken breasts down to ½-inch thickness. Sprinkle half of the salt and pepper on both sides of chicken and add to the pan. Cook on medium until seared on both sides. Reduce heat to low for 8-10 minutes or until the center reaches 165F. Remove chicken from pan and set aside to rest before slicing.

In the same pan, melt butter then add onion, salt and pepper and cook over medium heat until translucent.

Add sun-dried tomatoes and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions.

Remove skillet from heat and add parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, whipping cream and chopped bacon. Stir until melted then add chopped chicken back in and mix to combine.

Serve immediately.

Hint: Pounding the chicken ensures that it cooks more evenly and stays juicy.

Recipe Tips

• Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: For perfectly cooked, tender chicken be sure to check your temperature is at 165F.
• Deglaze with Broth: Scrape up all the browned bits for added flavor.
• Add Cheese Off the Heat: Adding the cheese once the heat is off, helps to ensure a proper melt without curdling; if it is too hot just stir quickly to help it melt.
• Serve Immediately: The sauce is best hot, when it clings to every piece of pasta.
• Garnishes: Add extra parmesan cheese, fresh basil or red chili flakes for added flavor.

Another popular one that people always come back to, is our Sweet Potato Skillet, it is quick, fresh and full of flavor.

More Mains

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended as the cream sauce may separate.
• Reheating: Reheat slowly over medium-low heat with a splash of broth, milk or cream to refresh the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• More Chicken Dinners: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Tomato Basil Chicken, Cheesy Chicken Casserole, Ritz Chicken Casserole or our Chicken Thighs with Honey.

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes FAQs

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