Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta

This creamy sun-dried tomato and basil chicken pasta transforms pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dinner in just 30 minutes. The combination of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender chicken creates a rich, comforting meal that feels indulgent even on busy weeknights.

I first created this dish when I needed to impress my in-laws without spending hours in the kitchen. Now it's my go-to recipe whenever friends drop by unexpectedly or I need a reliable crowd-pleaser that still feels special.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts create the perfect protein foundation. Choose organic if possible for the best flavor
• Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil bring intense concentrated tomato flavor and richness
• Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic depth that powdered versions simply cannot match
• Heavy cream creates the luxurious sauce texture. Look for grass-fed varieties for richer flavor
• Parmesan cheese adds savory umami notes. Always buy a block and grate it yourself
• Fresh basil is non-negotiable here. The bright aromatic quality cannot be replicated with dried
• Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli catch and hold the creamy sauce in every bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil before adding generous salt. The water should taste like the sea. Add your pasta and cook just until al dente according to package directions. This typically takes 8-10 minutes but taste test to be sure. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the starchy cooking water which will help thicken our sauce later.

Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously on both sides with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers then place chicken carefully into the pan. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes before flipping. The chicken should release easily from the pan when properly browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep all juices inside.

Create the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic to the remaining oil and fond. Sauté over medium heat for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth or reserved pasta water while scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom. This deglazing step incorporates all that incredible flavor into your sauce. Add heavy cream and simmer gently until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese until completely melted and incorporated.

Combine and Finish

Add drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. If using spinach, add it now and fold through until just wilted. Return sliced chicken to the pan, nestling it into the pasta. Allow everything to simmer together for 1-2 minutes so flavors can meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh basil right before serving.

Save

The sun-dried tomatoes are truly the secret ingredient in this dish. I discovered their transformative power during a cooking class in Italy, where the instructor showed us how they concentrate summer flavors that brighten even the simplest pasta dishes. My family now requests this "fancy" pasta weekly, not realizing how simple it actually is to prepare.

Make It Ahead

This pasta dish actually improves overnight as flavors meld together in the refrigerator. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before warming gently on the stovetop. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled, so additional liquid helps restore its creamy consistency. For meal prep, consider cooking the components separately and combining just before serving. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for an even quicker preparation. Swap spinach for kale, arugula, or any leafy green. Dairy-free? Coconut cream creates a surprisingly delicious alternative to heavy cream, while nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan. For a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream, or substitute some of the cream with additional pasta water for a silky consistency with fewer calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta as the centerpiece of an Italian-inspired meal. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides a perfect contrast to the rich pasta. Crusty garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce. For wine pairings, choose a medium-bodied white like Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy texture without overpowering the delicate basil and tomato flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle, you can use any pasta you prefer. Longer shapes like linguine or fettuccine work beautifully with the creamy sauce. Just follow the package cooking instructions and remember to reserve some pasta water for the sauce.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream for richness. Replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. The coconut cream adds a subtle sweetness that complements the sun-dried tomatoes nicely.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it tends to thicken when cold. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave until just heated through to prevent the sauce from separating.

→ Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply skip the chicken cooking step and add your shredded or chopped pre-cooked chicken to the sauce at the end, just long enough to warm it through. This reduces cooking time by about 15 minutes.

→ What vegetables can I add to this dish?

This dish is versatile and works well with many vegetables. Beyond the optional spinach, try adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. For a nutrition boost, consider broccoli florets or asparagus pieces. Add heartier vegetables earlier in the cooking process and delicate ones like cherry tomatoes toward the end.

→ How spicy is this dish with the chili flakes?

With the suggested 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes, the dish has a mild to moderate heat that complements the creamy sauce without overwhelming it. You can easily adjust this to your preference - omit the flakes entirely for no heat, use just a pinch for very mild warmth, or increase for more spiciness. Add the flakes gradually and taste as you go.