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Creamy Sun-dried Chicken

Featured in Juicy chicken done your way.

This cozy dish features juicy chicken with perfectly cooked fettuccine, tossed in a smooth cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and flavorful garlic. Parmesan and seasonings elevate the dish, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just enough zest. Using a touch of tomato oil enhances every bite. The whole process takes under 30 minutes, and your pasta water helps lock in that velvety goodness. It’s a simple-yet-satisfying dinner pick.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:32:58 GMT
Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Cream Sauce Pin it
Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Cream Sauce | tasteofsavor.com

A decadent spin on traditional fettuccine blends juicy chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a smooth cream sauce to whip up a fancy pasta meal right at home. The mix of nutty Parmesan, fragrant garlic, and those deeply flavorful tomatoes turns basic items into an amazing dinner that's both soul-warming and sophisticated.

I stumbled on this dish during a cooking workshop in Tuscany, where our teacher stressed that fresh stuff and getting the timing right changes everything. Whenever I cook it now, the smell carries me back to that sunny kitchen in Italy.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Pick ones packed in oil for extra taste and softness that works great in the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Go with the full-fat kind to get that velvety, stable sauce with just the right thickness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grab some fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself for sauce that's packed with flavor.
  • Fettuccine: Look for pasta made with bronze dies as it grabs onto sauce better, making every bite amazing.
  • Chicken: Get fresh boneless breasts for meat that stays moist and tender when cooked right.
  • Fresh Basil: Throws in a pop of garden-fresh aroma to brighten up the finished plate.

Cooking It Step By Step

Nail The Noodles:
Start with lots of salted water at a full boil. Drop in pasta and give it a quick stir so it won't stick together. Cook it a bit less than the package says since it'll finish in the sauce. Save some of that starchy water to fix your sauce later if needed.
Cook Chicken Like A Pro:
Cut your chicken against how the muscle runs for extra tenderness. Season it well before it hits the pan. Cook in a single layer with plenty of space, letting each piece get golden brown. Take it out while it's still juicy inside.
Build Your Flavor Base:
In that same pan, cook your tomatoes and garlic until they smell amazing. The oil from those tomatoes mixes with their natural sweetness to create a super tasty foundation for your sauce.
Whip Up The Sauce:
Pour in cream slowly while stirring to catch all those yummy bits from the pan. Let it bubble gently to thicken up. Add your Parmesan bit by bit, letting each handful melt completely before adding more.
Bring It All Together:
Mix your hot pasta with the sauce right away. Keep tossing and add splashes of that saved pasta water to make everything silky smooth. The starch in the water helps sauce stick to every strand.
Add The Final Touches:
Put the chicken back in to warm through. Taste and add salt if needed, then scatter fresh basil and extra Parmesan on top. Serve it right away while the sauce is just perfect.
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes Pin it
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes | tasteofsavor.com

Watch Your Heat

Getting the temperature just right makes for a smooth sauce that won't break apart. Keep the heat medium and stir all the time when adding cream and cheese. If things get too thick, splash in some hot pasta water.

Getting The Timing Right

Make sure your pasta finishes cooking just as your sauce is ready to go. This way everything stays the perfect texture and your noodles won't get mushy or clump together.

Prep Ahead Tricks

You can fix different parts of this dish a day early if needed. When it's time to eat, warm everything gently with a bit of cream or pasta water to bring back that silky sauce texture.

My nonna always told me the real secret to amazing pasta isn't about following exact minutes but about watching, tasting, and going with your gut feeling.

Rich Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Pin it
Rich Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta | tasteofsavor.com

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Fettuccine shows what happens when old-school cooking meets modern flavor combos. It proves you can make food at home that's just as good as eating out when you use great ingredients and put in a little love.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is heavy cream replaceable with milk?
You can swap in whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce won't be as rich. Add a tablespoon of flour to help it thicken if using milk.
→ What works instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Switch to roasted red peppers or caramelized cherry tomatoes for a different but tasty alternative.
→ Can I prep this ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but reheating with a dash of cream or broth keeps the sauce smooth and tasty.
→ Which pasta shapes are good for this?
Penne, rigatoni, or linguine also pair nicely with this creamy sauce, holding onto the flavors.
→ How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Stick with medium heat and constant stirring. Avoid boiling, as that can cause the cream to break.

Creamy Sun-dried Chicken

Rich and creamy pasta with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and basil, all coated in a luscious Parmesan sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 large servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Proteins and Pasta

01 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin and evenly
02 8 oz of fettuccine noodles

→ Creamy Base

03 1/2 cup of freshly shredded Parmesan
04 1/2 cup chicken stock
05 1 cup smooth heavy cream

→ Flavors and Extras

06 2 tablespoons of high-quality olive oil
07 3 minced garlic cloves
08 1/2 cup of chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
09 1 teaspoon of garlicky powder
10 1 teaspoon of herby Italian spice mix
11 Sea salt and a grind of black pepper, adjusted to your taste
12 A pinch of red chili flakes (use only if you like some heat)
13 Freshly chopped basil leaves to garnish at the end

Instructions

Step 01

Boil a pot of water with generous salt, and cook your fettuccine until it's a perfect tender-but-firm texture. Before draining, scoop out and save about 1/2 cup of the pasta's cooking water. It'll be handy for making the sauce just right!

Step 02

As the pasta cooks, warm up a tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet. Season the chicken strips using the garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden and fully done, then set it aside to rest.

Step 03

Use the same skillet to sauté the sun-dried tomatoes with another drizzle of olive oil. Add in the minced garlic and stir everything around for 2-3 minutes, letting those awesome smells fill your kitchen.

Step 04

Reduce the heat to somewhere in the medium range. Pour in the chicken broth along with the heavy cream. Sprinkle the Parmesan and red chili flakes (optional) into the mix. Let this cook for 3-4 minutes, gently stirring so it thickens up beautifully.

Step 05

Time to bring it together—add the fettuccine and those juicy chicken slices into the creamy sauce. Gently toss. Use a splash of your reserved pasta water if things look a little too thick.

Step 06

Add your finishing touches! Sprinkle over fresh basil and a little extra Parmesan if you like. Serve while everything's still warm and creamy. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Don't throw out the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes; it adds loads of flavor!
  2. Using the pasta water is key to make sure your sauce has a nice smooth texture.
  3. This dish is at its best when served hot, right after cooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pot for boiling noodles
  • Wide skillet or frying pan
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cream and Parmesan)
  • Includes gluten (fettuccine)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 28 g