There’s something magical about a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that just hits the spot. And when you throw in juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fettuccine coated in a rich, cheesy sauce? Pure comfort food bliss! This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Fettuccine is the perfect recipe for a cozy night in, a dinner party, or just when you’re craving something ridiculously good.

I’ve always been a huge fan of creamy pasta dishes. They’re satisfying, flavorful, and let’s be real—who doesn’t love twirling a forkful of perfectly sauced fettuccine? But what makes this dish extra special is the combination of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going straight into your recipe rotation!

Let’s dive into the details of this show-stopping dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is made with simple ingredients that pack a serious punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine – Classic, silky, and perfect for creamy sauces.
• Water for boiling – Always salt your pasta water for extra flavor!
• Salt – Essential for seasoning.

For the Chicken:

• 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps sear the chicken beautifully.
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips – Juicy and tender when cooked right.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds a deep, garlicky aroma.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs to complement the sauce.
• Salt and black pepper – To taste.

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Oil-packed ones add incredible depth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because you can never have too much garlic.
• 1 cup heavy cream – The base of that velvety sauce.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Helps thin out the sauce while keeping it rich.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty depth.
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – A little kick never hurt anyone!
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) – A fresh pop of flavor to finish.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Pasta is the backbone of this dish, so let’s do it right.

1. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt (think about the ocean’s saltiness), and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the Fettuccine: Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite. This ensures the pasta won’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.
3. Reserve Some Pasta Water: Before draining, save ½ cup of the starchy pasta water—this will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
4. Drain and Set Aside: Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while we work on the rest of the dish.

Pro Tip: Stir a little olive oil into the drained pasta to keep it from sticking together while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Now, let’s get that chicken golden brown and delicious!

1. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season the Chicken: Toss the sliced chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook Until Golden: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side. You want it to be beautifully golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove and Set Aside: Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Don’t wipe out the skillet—we’re about to use all those delicious browned bits for the sauce!

Step 3: Sauté the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic

This is where the flavor really starts to build!

1. Add More Olive Oil: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Sauté the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about 2–3 minutes. If you’re using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you can use a little of their oil for extra richness.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

At this point, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing. That garlicky, tomato-infused aroma? Irresistible.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Now, we build the luscious, flavor-packed sauce that brings everything together.

1. Reduce the Heat & Add the Cream
   After sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, reduce the heat to medium and slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently, making sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan (they hold a ton of flavor!).
2. Pour in the Chicken Broth
   Next, add ½ cup of chicken broth to balance out the richness of the cream. The broth enhances the flavor and keeps the sauce from becoming overly thick.
3. Add the Parmesan Cheese
   Now for the best part: stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. As it melts into the sauce, it will add a salty, nutty depth that ties everything together. Keep stirring to ensure a silky-smooth consistency.
4. Sprinkle in Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
   If you like a bit of heat, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes at this point. This little touch makes the flavors pop without overwhelming the dish.
5. Let it Simmer
   Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now comes the best part—bringing all the components together for the ultimate pasta dish!

1. Add the Cooked Fettuccine & Chicken
   Return the cooked fettuccine and seared chicken strips back into the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together, making sure each strand of pasta gets coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
2. Adjust the Consistency
   If the sauce seems too thick, this is where that reserved pasta water comes in handy! Add a splash (a couple of tablespoons at a time) to loosen up the sauce until it reaches the perfect consistency.Pro Tip: The starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the fettuccine, making it extra silky and luxurious. Don’t skip this step!
3. Let Everything Heat Through
   Let the pasta and chicken cook together in the sauce for another 2 minutes, stirring gently. This helps all the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to plate up and add those finishing touches.

1. Garnish with Fresh Basil
   Sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top—it adds a lovely, bright contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
   
2. Extra Parmesan Always!
   You can never have too much cheese, right? Finish with an extra dusting of grated Parmesan for that final cheesy touch.
   
3. Serve Immediately
   Creamy pasta is best enjoyed right away, while it’s hot and fresh. Grab a fork, twirl up a big bite, and get ready to fall in love with this dish!

Bonus Tips for the Best Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Fettuccine

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-packaged Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly. Always grate your own for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep it juicy and tender, cook it just until it’s done, then let it rest before slicing.
• Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes are Best: They have the most intense flavor and add richness to the sauce. If using dry-packed tomatoes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
• Reheating Leftovers? Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1️⃣ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is the best choice for a creamy sauce (it clings beautifully), you can use linguine, spaghetti, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. If you want a lighter option, zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta work too!

2️⃣ What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of butter to add richness. Another option is to mix Greek yogurt or cream cheese with a little milk for a creamy consistency.

3️⃣ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth, cream, or milk to help loosen up the sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently.

4️⃣ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta, reheat the sauce, and toss everything together for a quick and easy meal.

5️⃣ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The sauce will have a slightly different taste but will still be creamy and delicious!

6️⃣ What can I serve with this dish?

This pasta is rich and indulgent, so pairing it with a light side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables balances the meal beautifully.

7️⃣ Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?

Of course! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers make great additions. Just sauté them with the sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of creamy, comforting pasta dishes with bold flavors, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Fettuccine is going to become your new favorite. It’s:

• Rich and creamy – That luscious sauce coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
• Packed with flavor – From the sun-dried tomatoes to the Parmesan cheese, every bite is heavenly.
• Easy to make – Comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Customizable – You can tweak it to fit your diet or preferences with simple swaps.

Happy cooking!