Zesty One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe for Busy Nights

My kitchen adventures recently discovered a magical one-pan sun-dried tomato pasta that simplifies weeknight cooking like nothing else.

Creamy textures and bold Mediterranean flavors combine effortlessly in this single-skillet marvel.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how minimal cleanup meets maximum satisfaction.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a meal that feels both sophisticated and comfortably approachable.

No complicated techniques stand between you and a delicious dinner ready in under thirty minutes.

Fragrant herbs and rich sun-dried tomatoes promise a culinary experience that will make your taste buds sing with delight.

Let’s transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining moment.

Why One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Is A Winner

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze.
• Quick Culinary Magic: Transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering pasta dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Flavor-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Blend sun-dried tomatoes, creamy parmesan, and tender chicken into a single skillet for maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to make this versatile recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Everything You Need For One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides substantial texture and filling nutrition to the pasta dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that adds rich, salty flavor and creamy depth to the final sauce.

• Chicken Broth, Olive Oil: Create a flavorful cooking liquid that helps cook the pasta and infuse overall taste.
• Heavy Cream: Produces a silky, luxurious sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, pungent flavor base that enhances the entire dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide balanced seasoning with a hint of gentle heat.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Contribute a concentrated, tangy tomato flavor with a chewy texture.
• Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, herbal finish that freshens the creamy pasta.

• Pasta: The core ingredient that absorbs the flavorful broth and serves as the main component of the dish.

How To Make One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips that will cook quickly and evenly throughout the dish.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

• Chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Heat the ingredients over medium-high heat to develop a rich, aromatic foundation.

Step 3: Add the Pasta

Spread uncooked pasta across the liquid mixture, ensuring each strand makes contact with the broth. This technique allows the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors while cooking.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta

Let the pasta simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Watch for the liquid to be mostly absorbed and the pasta to reach a perfect al dente texture.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Fold the sliced chicken into the pasta, continuing to cook for 3-4 minutes. Ensure the chicken is completely cooked through with no pink remaining.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and pour in heavy cream. Gently stir to create a luxurious, silky sauce that embraces the pasta and chicken.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the dish, allowing it to melt and blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped basil. The bright green herbs will add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish.

Step 9: Let the Flavors Mingle

Allow the pasta to rest for 2-3 minutes. This short waiting period lets the flavors meld together and allows the sauce to slightly thicken, creating a perfect dining experience.

Tips To Improve One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Slice Chicken Precisely: Cut chicken breast into uniform thin strips to guarantee even cooking and prevent any undercooked sections.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to ensure each strand absorbs liquid evenly and doesn't clump together.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of dried herbs like oregano to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust cream quantity based on desired thickness – less cream for a lighter sauce, more for a richer texture.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary requirements.

Ways To Change Up One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Replace chicken with roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version packed with robust Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops, increasing red pepper flakes for an extra kick and adding a dash of smoked paprika for depth.
• Protein Power Bowl: Swap pasta with quinoa or brown rice, incorporate grilled tofu or lean turkey for a high-protein alternative that maintains the creamy sauce profile.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, add nutritional yeast for cheesy notes, and swap parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternative for a lactose-free option.

Tasty Pairings With One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, sun-dried tomato flavors, cutting through the richness with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare a crusty, toasted garlic bread to soak up the luscious sauce, adding a crunchy texture contrast and extra herbal notes that match the basil garnish.
• Create Mediterranean Salad Side: Toss a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the pasta's creamy and savory profile.

Keeping One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Fresh

• Transfer remaining pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and tasty.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months.
• Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• When reheating, stir gently and consistently to maintain the creamy texture and prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.

Questions On One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Why use sun-dried tomatoes in this recipe?

Sun-dried tomatoes provide an intense, concentrated sweet-tangy flavor that elevates the entire dish, adding depth and richness to the pasta sauce that fresh tomatoes cannot match.

• Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy and rich. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream for similar texture.

• Is it necessary to slice chicken into thin strips?

Thin strips ensure even and quick cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections. They also help the chicken absorb more flavor from the sauce and cook faster, maintaining tenderness.

• What type of pasta works best for this one-pan method?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli work perfectly.