![['A close-up view of sun-dried tomato pasta with chicken and mozzarella sauce on a plate.', 'Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta garnished with herbs and chicken pieces, displayed on a rustic table.', 'Side view of a delicious pasta dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and tender chicken in a creamy sauce.', 'A vibrant bowl of penne pasta topped with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese.']](https://timetocooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/sun-dried-tomato-pasta-with-chicken_1_U1-300x300.webp)
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
A flavorful pasta dish combining sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and a creamy mozzarella sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Dairy and pasta
- 1 cup half and half or 1/2 cup heavy cream + 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, do not use fresh mozzarella
- 8 oz penne pasta gluten free option available
- 1 tablespoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup reserved cooked pasta water or more
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Remove sun-dried tomatoes, add sliced chicken seasoned with salt and paprika, cook 1 minute per side, then remove.
- Cook pasta according to package; reserve some pasta water, then drain.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes back to skillet with chicken, then stir in half-and-half and mozzarella; simmer until cheese melts.
- Mix in cooked pasta, basil, red pepper flakes, and thin with reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
Notes
Ensure to salt just enough to enhance flavors without overpowering.