Delicious Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: Perfect & Easy!

Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s talk about the one meal that has saved me from 5 PM panic more times than I can count: sun dried tomato chicken pasta. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a sanity-saver, a kid-pleaser, and a way to get a delicious dinner on the table without losing your ever-loving mind.

I remember the first time I made it. It was a Tuesday (because aren’t all Tuesdays a culinary adventure?), the kids were melting down, and I had approximately zero brain cells left. I threw some sun dried tomato chicken pasta ingredients together, hoping for the best, and BAM! Dinner was served, and everyone actually ate it. No complaints!

It’s now a staple in our house, and I’m excited to share my version with you. This sun dried tomato chicken pasta is quick, easy, and customizable to whatever you have on hand.

Fellow kitchen warriors, if you’re looking for a meal that fits your family life and brings a little joy to the dinner table, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Here’s what you need to whip up this sun dried tomato chicken pasta magic:

• 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or your family’s fave)
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional, but adds a veggie boost!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Trust me, this sun dried tomato chicken pasta ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! You can grab the sun dried tomatoes at Target while doing your regular grocery run. I always have them in my pantry now.

No worries if you don’t have fresh basil. I use dried basil all the time in my version of sun dried tomato chicken pasta. About 1 teaspoon of dried basil will do the trick.

Budget-friendly tip: This sun dried tomato chicken pasta doesn’t have to break the bank. Buy chicken breasts in bulk and freeze them. Also, you can often find sun dried tomatoes on sale.

Here’s a sun dried tomato chicken pasta trick that saved my sanity: I pre-chop the chicken and garlic in the morning (or even the night before) and store them in the fridge. It cuts down on prep time when the 5 PM panic hits! I can’t tell you how amazing this is!

My family loves when I add extra Parmesan cheese to this recipe for sun dried tomato chicken pasta. It’s a guaranteed win! Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Alright, let’s get this sun dried tomato chicken pasta show on the road! I promise it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet.

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Don’t forget to salt the water! Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the minced garlic and sun dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. This step is super important for that yummy flavor.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those browned bits are flavor gold!
5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. If using, add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Feel free to leave the spinach out if your kids are anti-green.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. And viola you’re done!

Here’s where I used to mess up my sun dried tomato chicken pasta – I’d overcook the chicken. Don’t make my mistake! Keep an eye on it and pull it off the heat as soon as it’s cooked through.

While your sun dried tomato chicken pasta is simmering, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! It’s important to refuel, mama!

In my chaotic kitchen, this sun dried tomato chicken pasta usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile while the pasta is boiling! Your version of sun dried tomato chicken pasta should smell amazing by now. That’s how you know it’s working!

Don’t panic if your sun dried tomato chicken pasta looks a little dry at first. Just add a splash of that reserved pasta water, and it’ll come together beautifully.

This is such an easy sun dried tomato chicken pasta recipe, you won’t believe you didn’t make it sooner!

Okay, so the sun dried tomato chicken pasta is ready. Now what? Here’s how we roll in my house:

The kids devour this sun dried tomato chicken pasta when I serve it with garlic bread and a simple side salad. It’s a great way to get them to eat something green!

This sun dried tomato chicken pasta is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you’re short on time and patience. It’s also fancy enough to serve to guests. I feel good knowing everyone will love it.

Presentation Tip: Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top before serving. Makes it look like you actually tried, even if you’re wearing pajamas.

Leftover Ideas: Toss the sun dried tomato chicken pasta with some grilled veggies for a quick and easy lunch. Or, add it to a casserole dish with some breadcrumbs and bake it for a comforting twist.

Seasonal Variation: In the fall, I like to add roasted butternut squash to my sun dried tomato chicken pasta. Adds a touch of sweetness and fall flavor.

Guest Reaction: My friends always rave about this sun dried tomato chicken pasta when I make it for potlucks. They think I’m a culinary genius, but really, it’s just this awesome recipe.

For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe! This sun dried tomato chicken pasta reminds me of another family favorite, Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken.

Got questions? I’ve got (hopefully) answers! Here are some common concerns I hear about sun dried tomato chicken pasta, along with my mom-tested solutions:

• Can my picky eater handle this sun dried tomato chicken pasta?
  • Maybe! Start by omitting the spinach and using a smaller amount of sun dried tomatoes. You can also try cutting the chicken into smaller pieces. My son loves it when I use bowtie pasta. If you have a picky one too, try this sun dried tomato chicken pasta with only the necessary ingredients!
• What if I burn my sun dried tomato chicken pasta? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
  • Been there, done that! If the sauce starts to burn, immediately remove the pan from the heat and transfer the sun dried tomato chicken pasta to a new pan. You might lose a little of the sauce, but it’s better than a burnt dinner.
• Can I make this sun dried tomato chicken pasta ahead for meal prep?
  • Absolutely! Cook the pasta and chicken separately, then combine them with the sauce when you’re ready to eat. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze this sun dried tomato chicken pasta?
  • I don’t recommend freezing the pasta, as it can become mushy. However, you can freeze the sun dried tomato chicken pasta sauce on its own. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and then cook the pasta fresh.
• What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sun dried tomato chicken pasta?
  • If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even milk. The sauce won’t be as thick and creamy, but it will still be delicious.
• My sun dried tomatoes are dry, not oil-packed. Can I still use them?
  • Yes! Just rehydrate them in hot water for about 15 minutes before using. Drain them well and then proceed with the sun dried tomato chicken pasta recipe.
• Can I add other vegetables to this sun dried tomato chicken pasta?
  • Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini all work well. Just add them to the skillet along with the garlic and sun dried tomatoes. For another delicious variation, check out this One Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Chicken.
• Can I use sun dried tomato pesto chicken pasta instead?
  • Yes! That sounds delicious! Just replace the minced garlic and diced sun dried tomatoes with the sun dried tomato pesto. You may also enjoy this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta from Half Baked Harvest.

If your kids love this sun dried tomato chicken pasta, they’ll go crazy for Pretzel Crusted Chicken!

This sun dried tomato chicken pasta is special to my family because it’s a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, we can still enjoy a delicious meal together.

My sun dried tomato chicken pasta Mom Hacks:

• Pre-chop veggies on Sunday to save time during the week.
• Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal.
• Always have a stash of Parmesan cheese on hand.

Here are a few family-tested sun dried tomato chicken pasta variations:

• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Cheesy: Stir in some mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan.
• Creamy Pesto: Mix in a spoonful of pesto at the end. For an even creamier experience, you might like Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.

My son prefers the cheesy version, while my daughter loves it with extra spinach. This sun dried tomato chicken pasta with chicken and spinach is always a winner! I personally love the easy sun dried tomato pesto chicken pasta.

I hope you try this sun dried tomato chicken pasta recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors.

Remember, mama, you’ve got this! Even if dinner isn’t perfect, it’s still a chance to connect with your family and nourish their bodies. And who knows, you might just create a new family favorite! I know my house loves this easy sun dried tomato chicken pasta!