Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
By Jason Griffith
There is something truly magical about the combination of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and melted mozzarella cheese. If you’ve been searching for a dinner that feels like it came out of a high-end Italian bistro kitchen but actually takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, you’ve hit the jackpot. This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken is my go-to “impress the guests” meal that requires surprisingly little effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
I am a firm believer that weeknight dinners shouldn’t be boring. This recipe wins a permanent spot in my rotation for three reasons:
- The Flavor Profile: The concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes cuts right through the richness of the heavy cream and mozzarella.
- One-Pan Vibes: While you do boil the pasta separately, the sauce and chicken come together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Versatility: It’s fancy enough for a date night but hearty enough to satisfy hungry kids.
If you enjoy Italian-inspired comfort food like this, you should also check out my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce for another family favorite.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large breasts, cubed into bite-sized pieces.
- Pasta: 8 oz (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best for holding the sauce).
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, chopped (packed in oil is preferred for better texture).
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup for that signature silky base.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded (freshly grated melts best!).
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Basil: For garnish.
Swaps and Notes
- The Protein: Not a fan of chicken? This sauce pairs beautifully with shrimp or even Italian sausage.
- The Veggies: You can easily boost the nutritional value by tossing in two cups of fresh baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms during the sauce-simmering phase.
- The Pasta: For a lower-carb option, this sauce is incredible over zoodles or spaghetti squash.
- The Tomatoes: If you use sun-dried tomatoes in oil, use a teaspoon of that oil to sauté the garlic for extra flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a half-cup of pasta water before draining—this is my “liquid gold” secret for adjusting sauce thickness later.
2. Sear the Chicken
While the water boils, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once finished, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet (don’t wash it! those brown bits are flavor), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and add the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until it begins to slightly thicken.
4. The Melty Finish
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
5. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta and the seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until every noodle is coated in that creamy sun-dried tomato goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little of that reserved pasta water. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic can turn bitter quickly. Add it only when you’re ready to pour in the cream.
- Room Temp Cream: To prevent the sauce from curdling or breaking, try to let your heavy cream sit out for a few minutes so it isn’t ice-cold when it hits the hot pan.
- The Cheese Quality: Pre-shredded cheese in bags is coated in potato starch to prevent clumping, which can make your sauce grainy. Grate your own mozzarella for the smoothest melt.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This pasta is quite rich, so I like to pair it with something light or crunchy.
- Appetizer: Start the meal with this Baked Brie Appetizer—it sets a luxurious tone for the evening.
- Side: A simple Caesar salad or roasted asparagus works perfectly.
- Drinks: To cut through the creamy cheese, try a Classic Margarita for a refreshing citrus contrast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Creamy sauces can thicken up in the fridge. When reheating on the stove or in the microwave, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce back up.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream-based sauce tends to separate when thawed.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this comforting meal, you’ll definitely want to try these other hits from the ChefManiac kitchen:
- Instant Pot Lasagna – For when you want comfort food in a hurry.
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders – Perfect for game day or a quick lunch.
Final Thoughts
This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken is proof that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients to make a world-class meal. It’s comforting, vibrant, and always a hit with my family.
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media. Don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more easy, delicious recipes delivered straight to your feed.
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