A Taste of Comfort and Elegance: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken

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If you’re searching for a meal that strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome, rich and refreshing, easy yet impressive—look no further. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. It features succulent chicken pieces, a lusciously creamy sauce enhanced with homemade sun-dried tomato pesto, and pasta that holds it all together like a delicious hug in a bowl.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every delicious detail—from how to prepare this restaurant-quality dish at home, a full breakdown of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, preparation time, and nutritional insights. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this dish delivers on all fronts.

 Ingredients (US Measuring Cups)

For the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto:

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil

  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • ÂĽ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ÂĽ cup olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomato pesto (prepared above)

  • ÂĽ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for added nutrition and color)

 Preparation Time & Nutritional Information

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Calories: ~721 kcal per serving

 How to Prepare the Recipe – Step-by-Step Instructions

Stage 1: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

This pesto is the soul of the dish, lending it that warm, tangy, Mediterranean flavor.

  1. Blend Ingredients
    In a food processor, combine ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, ½ cup fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves of garlic, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, and ¼ cup olive oil.

  2. Season
    Blend until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. This can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Stage 2: Cook the Pasta

The backbone of the dish—make sure to cook your pasta al dente so it holds its texture in the sauce.

  1. Boil Water
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. Cook Pasta
    Add 8 oz of pasta and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes).

  3. Drain and Reserve
    Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Set aside.

Stage 3: Prepare the Chicken

Chicken adds a lean protein component that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.

  1. Season Chicken
    Season 1 lb of bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

  2. Sauté Chicken
    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).

  3. Set Aside
    Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Stage 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

This sauce ties everything together with rich, luxurious flavor.

  1. Sauté Garlic
    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  2. Create Roux
    Add 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a light roux.

  3. Add Liquid
    Slowly whisk in 1 cup chicken broth followed by 1 cup heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.

  4. Spice it Up
    Stir in ½ tsp dried oregano and season with salt and pepper.

  5. Incorporate Pesto
    Stir in ½ cup of the sun-dried tomato pesto and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.

  6. Add Spinach (Optional)
    Toss in 2 cups baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Stage 5: Combine All Components

Now it’s time to bring this flavor bomb together.

  1. Reintroduce Chicken
    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

  2. Add Pasta
    Toss in the drained pasta and stir everything together until well-coated.

  3. Adjust Consistency
    If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

  4. Serve Hot
    Plate immediately and top with additional grated Parmesan if desired.

 Serving Suggestions

This dish is so complete it needs little else, but here are some options:

  • A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

  • Garlic bread or warm focaccia

  • A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or light-bodied red wine

 Pro Cooking Tips

  1. Pasta Choice Matters
    Penne and fettuccine hold creamy sauces well, but you can experiment with farfalle or even rigatoni.

  2. Grate Your Own Parmesan
    It melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-grated.

  3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
    Overcooked chicken becomes dry. Cook just until it’s no longer pink inside.

  4. Make-Ahead Option
    Prepare the pesto and even the chicken a day ahead to cut down cook time.

  5. Boost the Veggies
    Add mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrients and variety.

 Storage and Reheating

Storage:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:
Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, but the pesto itself can be frozen for up to 2 months.

 Variations to Try

  1. Vegetarian Option
    Omit the chicken and replace with sautéed mushrooms or grilled eggplant.

  2. Spicy Twist
    Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.

  3. Cheesy Upgrade
    Add a handful of shredded mozzarella for extra richness.

 Scaling the Recipe

  • For a crowd: Double all ingredients. Use a deep pan or Dutch oven.

  • For two: Halve everything but keep the pesto amount for a flavor punch (store leftovers).

 Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken is one of those recipes that offers gourmet taste with minimal stress. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. With a luxurious, flavor-packed sauce, juicy chicken, and the vibrant punch of sun-dried tomatoes, this dish delivers both comfort and sophistication in one bite.

Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just for yourself—this dish is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.

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