Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta: A Weeknight Dinner Star
A single-skillet dinner that marries velvety sauce with tender chicken and spinach.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy Weeknight Dinner
When it comes to reliable weeknight dinners, creamy sun-dried tomato pasta stands out for both its ease and its irresistible flavor. This recipe brings together the bold tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes, the freshness of sautéed spinach, and the richness of a velvety tomato-cream sauce—all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine and tender chicken. Ready in under an hour and made with everyday pantry staples, it’s a dish that has rapidly earned a top spot on the family dinner rotation.
Why Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Is So Popular
- Fast & Family-Friendly: Dinner can be on the table in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Comforting & Satisfying: The lush, creamy sauce satisfies pasta cravings and leaves everyone full and happy.
- Bursting with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest, parmesan, and garlic offer layers of tangy, savory brightness.
- Great for Leftovers: The sauce reheats well, making it just as delicious the next day.
What You Need for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
This pasta dish relies on a few star ingredients to deliver big flavor in minimal time. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need—and a spotlight on why each element makes this recipe shine.
Main Ingredients
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil: Buy them pre-julienned if possible. Their sweet, tangy, concentrated tomato flavor forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Chicken Breast: Sliced and lightly seasoned, it soaks up the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Linguine: The long, flat noodles are ideal for holding a creamy sauce. Substitute with spaghetti, penne, or bow tie pasta if preferred.
- Onion & Garlic: Sautéed for aromatic depth.
- Lemon Zest: Lifts the richness of the sauce and pairs perfectly with tomato flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds gentle warmth.
- Tomato Paste: Adds color and amplifies the tomato base for a slow-cooked flavor in minutes.
- Chicken Stock: Builds body in the sauce.
- Cream Cheese: Essential for the signature silky, creamy consistency.
- Spinach: Adds nutrition and a pop of color.
- Parmesan Cheese: For that final layer of savory umami.
Pro Tip: Don’t discard the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes! It’s packed with flavor and is perfect for cooking the chicken and building the sauce.
What Makes Sun-Dried Tomatoes Special?
Unlike their fresh counterparts, sun-dried tomatoes deliver a blast of deep, sweet-tart intensity in every bite. Their flavor is concentrated through slow drying, capturing the taste of a ripe summer tomato year-round. That’s why they’ve become a secret weapon in pasta sauces and many other dishes.
- Flavor Strength: Tangy, tart, and subtly sweet, with a chewy yet tender texture.
- Easy to Store: Keep a jar of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes in your pantry for instant flavor boosts.
- Versatile: Use in salads, pastas, pestos, or sandwiches.
Do You Need to Soak Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
No soaking required if you use the variety packed in olive oil, which is already tender and ready to eat. If you happen to find dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in hot water for a few minutes before using. For this recipe, oil-packed tomatoes are the best bet—plus, their oil is key to the sauce’s flavor profile.
Best Pasta Shapes for Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Linguine is traditional for this creamy dish, but it isn’t essential. This recipe is versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of pasta shapes. Here are excellent alternatives if you don’t have linguine:
- Spaghetti: Long and classic, perfect for twirling and catching the sauce.
- Penne: Short, tubular noodles that hold up well with a thick sauce.
- Rigatoni: Another short shape, ideal for soaking up creamy sauces inside and out.
- Bow Tie (Farfalle): Fun and kid-friendly, with lots of crannies for sauce to cling to.
What others are reading
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
This step-by-step process will guide you to pasta perfection, balancing quick prep with restaurant-worthy flavor.
Ingredients Overview
| Ingredient | Role in Recipe |
|---|---|
| Sun-dried tomatoes in oil | Base flavor, tanginess, and color |
| Chicken breasts | Protein, hearty texture |
| Linguine (or other pasta) | Hearty base; catches creamy sauce |
| Spinach | Freshness, color, nutrients |
| Parmesan cheese | Savory depth, creamy finish |
| Cream cheese | Creaminess, velvety sauce |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the linguine. While the water heats, drain the sun-dried tomatoes and reserve their oil—you’ll use this in the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into 1/2-inch strips. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, searing until lightly golden (about 3 to 4 minutes). Transfer the cooked chicken onto a plate.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil. Add diced onion, the remaining salt and pepper, and cook until soft and golden (3 to 5 minutes). Stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Cook until aromatic (about 1 minute).
- Deglaze & Simmer: Whisk in chicken broth, scraping up brown bits. Lower to medium and simmer, reducing the sauce by one-third (about 10 minutes), intensifying the flavor.
- Cook Linguine: Meanwhile, cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1.5 cups of the pasta water before draining.
- Melt & Wilt: Stir cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach into the simmering tomato sauce. As the cream cheese melts and the spinach wilts (2 to 3 minutes), the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
- Assemble the Pasta: Take the sauce off the heat. Add parmesan cheese, drained linguine, and cooked chicken. Toss well, adding pasta water as needed (start with 1/2 cup, add more gradually) until the sauce is glossy and coats the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra parmesan on top. For a burst of brightness, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Customization Tips
With its luxurious, tangy sauce and tender chicken, sun-dried tomato pasta can takes center stage or complement a menu of classic sides. Consider these ideas:
- Pair with a green salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the sauce.
- Garlic bread or focaccia: Use to soak up every bit of sauce.
- Vegetarian option: Omit chicken and double the spinach or add sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness.
- Lighter twist: Use light cream cheese and whole-wheat pasta to adjust richness and boost fiber.
If you’re entertaining, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a simple antipasto platter for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
FAQ: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Questions Answered
What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Oil-packed, julienned sun-dried tomatoes are ideal for this recipe. They are tender, flavorful, and ready to use straight from the jar. Jarred oil works as a flavorful cooking fat.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components in advance.
- Cook the chicken (up to one day ahead)
- Mix the sauce ingredients except the spinach and cream cheese, reheating gently before assembling
For best texture, toss cooked pasta with the sauce just before serving, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency as needed.
Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Yes. Substitute full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream cheese for the dairy components. Use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a nutty, cheesy finish without dairy.
Does it freeze well?
Creamy sauces can separate a bit after freezing, but the flavor remains good. If freezing, let cool, portion into airtight containers, and thaw gently before reheating. Stir in a splash of stock or cream as needed to re-emulsify the sauce.
How spicy is the dish?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle background heat. Adjust the amount to your preference or omit for a milder pasta.
What can I substitute for linguine?
Other great pasta choices:
- Spaghetti
- Penne
- Rigatoni
- Bow tie (Farfalle)
Pick a pasta with enough surface area to hold the creamy sauce well.
Expert Tips & Final Touches
- Savor the Oil: The golden oil from sun-dried tomatoes is packed with flavor. Always save and use it instead of other oils for sautéing chicken and building the sauce base.
- Brighten with Lemon: A finishing squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens and balances the rich creaminess of the sauce.
- Embrace Parmesan: Don’t skimp on freshly grated parmesan—the more, the better for depth and savoriness.
- Customize Flair: Stir in fresh basil or parsley at the end for a burst of color and herbal aroma.
Nutritional Highlights
This dish balances indulgence and nutrition:
- Protein-rich from chicken and cheese
- Vitamins and fiber from spinach and tomatoes
- Classic comfort thanks to creamy pasta
Pair with lighter sides to keep your meal balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free pasta of your choice. The sauce is naturally gluten-free. Always check the labels on cream cheese and parmesan if concerned about additives.
Q: How can I add more vegetables?
A: Sauté zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the onions before building your sauce. You can also fold in arugula or kale with the spinach for extra greens.
Q: What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cut through the creamy sauce and complement the tomatoes and lemon zest beautifully.
Q: Can I leave out the chicken for a vegetarian version?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and consider doubling the spinach or adding cannellini beans for extra substance.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes, most kids enjoy the creamy sauce and mild chicken. Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Conclusion: The Joy of Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta offers the perfect combination of convenience and comfort, delivering gourmet flavor on a weeknight schedule. Keep sun-dried tomatoes and pantry pasta stocked and you’ll always have what you need to make this crowd-pleasing dinner—one that invites everyone to the table, hungry and happy.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43593119/sun-dried-tomato-pasta-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63657269/marry-me-chicken-pasta-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a60982840/sun-dried-tomato-pesto-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10597/fourth-of-july-week-sundried-tomato-pasta-salad/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a82669/pasta-with-mushrooms-chicken-and-sun-dried-tomatoes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g65490158/best-sun-dried-tomato-recipes/
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