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This simple sun dried tomato chicken pasta recipe is incredibly easy to make, and comes together so quickly.
We are using a few little shortcuts that make this taste like a scratch recipe – we’re letting those flavorful sun dried tomatoes do all the work!
Toss with your favorite pasta and it’s a comforting weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ask anyone I know and they will tell you that my favorite dinner to make is pasta. In fact, our friends and family have come to expect it when they come for dinner.
I’m always experimenting with new sauces to keep this favorite exciting. This sun dried tomato basil pasta sauce recipe has a “from scratch” feel, but uses a few shortcuts to keep it quick!
Don’t Skip These: You don’t want to miss this incredible guide to 12 Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes!
The sun dried tomatoes in this pasta are the star of the show. But the fresh basil that gets sprinkled in at the end is a great way to add flavor, fragrance and color to red sauces like these. I think you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken – Tenderloins work well in this pasta recipe.
- Pasta – Make your own or used your favorite variety, we use rigatoni.
- Italian Seasoning – Learn how to make your own Italian Seasoning blend here.
- Olive Oil – I prefer a high quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Garlic – Learn all about garlic conversions here.
- Sun Dried Tomatoes – Chopped, or purchase julienned, drain the oil. A high quality, Italian brand packed in oil is great here!
- Tomato Sauce – A little shortcut goes a long way. Store-bought, canned tomato sauce will save you time and effort in the kitchen.
- Ground Red Pepper – A little kick of spice adds such balance to the sweet tomato and basil.
- Dry White Wine – I specify dry since the tomatoes have sweetness all on their own. The bonus of cooking with wine – you can enjoy a glass when you’re ready to serve!
- Black Pepper – A few cracks is all you need.
- Heavy Cream – for a luxurious finish!
- Basil – Fresh basil takes this sundried tomato pasta recipe to the next level. Reserve the basil for the end to lock in the bright green color and flavor.
Variations
- Add a little parmesan, or try Romano or Asiago.
- Reduce the red pepper to eliminate heat.
How To Make Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Cook Pasta – In a boiling pot of water, cook pasta according to package directions.
- Cook the Chicken – Season chicken and cook on the stovetop as directed, until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce – Combine olive oil, garlic and sun dried tomatoes and simmer. Add tomato sauce, wine and red pepper. Reduce heat and simmer.
- Season and Toss – Season to taste with fresh black pepper. Toss the chicken and pasta, adding a little reserved pasta water as needed.
- Garnish – Top with fresh basil and enjoy!
Tips
- If you buy the dry package of sun dried tomatoes, usually in plastic, simply reconstitute in warm water for 30 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and reserve the water to add flavor to stocks and sauces.
- I recommend purchasing a small basil plant next time you go grocery shopping- it’s the freshest basil at a moment’s notice.
- Be sure to use high quality ingredients and fresh spices for the best flavor.
- One thing I do always have time for is homemade pasta. Make your own, or choose your favorite brand – it’s delicious either way!
- It’s best to use heavy cream in this recipe, not low fat or milk.
- Use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-grated – it will be so much creamier, the extra step is worth it.
- Always hold back a cup of warm, starchy pasta water. This can help thin your sauces!
Make More (or Less!)
Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
Shortcuts
- Use pre-shredded Parmesan.
- Use pre-minced garlic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sun dried tomatoes?
Sun dried tomatoes are whole tomatoes that spend most of their time drying in the sun. Sweet and chewy, they add a pop of concentrated tomato flavor and a succulent chew that makes this recipe so delectable.
Where do you find sun dried tomatoes?
You can typically find sun dried tomatoes in the canned vegetable section and/or produce section. If you have a local Italian market, that’s even better! The smaller Italian markets will sell imported sundried tomatoes from Italy, which are of a higher quality.
How do you use sun dried tomatoes?
This depends on the version you purchase. There are two – packed in oil and dry. I prefer the jarred sundried tomatoes packed in olive oil for this pasta sauce since they are much more flavorful. Just make sure to drain before adding to the pasta sauce recipe. Bonus – save that flavorful oil to finish your pasta dish or for your next salad dressing!
Serving Suggestions
This simple pasta sauce doesn’t require much. And it due to the wonderful flavor of tomato and basil. These two ingredients just remind me of all things Italy and summertime.
- Add an Italian Salad
- Or, serve Italian Roasted Veggies
- Garlic Bread
- Artisan Bread serves up perfectly with pasta, too
- See all the best Italian Side Dishes in this complete guide!
Dietary Considerations
- To make this pasta dish gluten free, choose your favorite gluten free pasta.
- Nut Free
- Vegetarian
How to Store
- Room Temperature – This penne alla vodka is best served as soon as it comes off the stove. It can rest at room temperature for up to two hours before it must be refrigerated.
- Refrigerator – If you do have leftovers, cover and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, warm it in a small sauce pan and a use a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer – You can also freeze this pasta dish for up to three months.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
This sun dried tomato chicken pasta is so delicious, but totally effortless! We're letting those flavorful sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil do all the work, but the results will speak for themselves.
Yield
Ingredients
For the Chicken (Optional)
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta
- 16 ounces pasta cooked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 8 ounces sun dried tomatoes jar, drained
- 8 ounces tomato sauce can
- 1 teaspoon ground red pepper
- ½ cup dry white wine
- pepper
- ⅛ cup basil fresh
Instructions
- In a boiling pot of water, cook pasta according to package directions. Be sure to reserve a cup of the salty, starchy pasta water to thin your sauce at the end.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season your chicken tenderloins and add to hot oil, cooking 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Over low heat, combine olive oil, garlic and sun dried tomatoes. Cook, stirring frequently for one minute.
- Stir in tomato sauce, wine and red pepper and stir well. Add heavy cream and reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil and a little Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips
- If you buy the dry package of sun dried tomatoes, usually in plastic, simply reconstitute in warm water for 30 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and reserve the water to add flavor to stocks and sauces.
- It’s best to use heavy cream in this recipe, not low fat or milk.
- Always hold back a cup of warm, starchy pasta water. This can help thin your sauces!
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1g, Calories: 556kcal (28%), Carbohydrates: 81g (27%), Protein: 32g (64%), Fat: 11g (17%), Saturated Fat: 2g (10%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 48mg (16%), Sodium: 313mg (13%), Potassium: 1892mg (54%), Fiber: 8g (32%), Sugar: 18g (20%), Vitamin A: 696IU (14%), Vitamin C: 19mg (23%), Calcium: 84mg (8%), Iron: 6mg (33%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Olivia Poncelet says
Mmmh , feeling hungry! I’ll try this tonight!
http://www.oliviaponcelet.com
Nancy Duggins says
This sounds so good and really beats the shelf stuff at the store. Thank you 🙂
Julie Blanner says
Thank you! It’s delicious!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
Gorgeous photos and your pasta looks just delicious. I love that you added a little freshness and color with the basil.
Julie @ The Family CEO says
Looks fabulous! Now I want pasta for dinner. 🙂