There’s something about a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that just feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta with Crème Fraîche is the perfect balance of rich, tangy, and savory flavors—all coming together in one luscious bite. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes bursting with umami, and a velvety crème fraîche sauce coat every strand of pasta, making this dish utterly irresistible.
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Whether it’s a cozy date night, a weeknight dinner, or a dish to impress your guests, trust me—this one’s a keeper!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Rich and Creamy: The crème fraîche adds a luxurious, velvety texture without being too heavy.
Flavor-Packed: Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet, tangy depth that pairs beautifully with garlic and parmesan.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Tastes like something you’d order at a fancy Italian restaurant!
Customizable: Use your favorite pasta shape, swap the protein, or add veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Chicken Breast: Tender, juicy, and the perfect protein to soak up the creamy sauce.
Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well—choose your favorite!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their intense, tangy flavor makes this dish shine.
Crème Fraîche: Adds a rich, slightly tangy creaminess without being too heavy.
Garlic: A must for that irresistible aroma and deep, savory flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra richness and umami.
Chicken Broth: Helps create the perfect silky sauce consistency.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little spicy kick.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: A fresh, herby finish to balance the richness.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve some pasta water for the sauce.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them soften.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute. Stir in the crème fraîche, parmesan cheese, and a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan, tossing everything together until well coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, extra parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
With Garlic Bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Side Salad: A fresh arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta.
Glass of White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Additional Tips
Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
Lighten It Up: Use half crème fraîche and half Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter version.
Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a bold flavor.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to [time]. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use heavy cream instead of crème fraîche?
A1: Yes! Heavy cream works well, but crème fraîche adds a slight tanginess that enhances the flavor.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before tossing it with the pasta.
Q3: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A3: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or tagliatelle all work great.
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?
A4: Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Q6: How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
A6: Add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Q7: Can I add more vegetables?
A7: Definitely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers are great additions.
Q8: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A8: You can use cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or tomato paste for a similar flavor.
Q9: Can I make this dairy-free?
A9: Yes! Use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
Q10: How do I make it extra creamy?
A10: Stir in a bit of mascarpone or extra crème fraîche for an ultra-rich texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta with Crème Fraîche is a simple yet indulgent dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. So grab your fork, twirl up a bite, and enjoy every creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused mouthful!
Print
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta with Crème Fraîche
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: North American
Description
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is rich, flavorful, and easy to make in just 20 minutes! Tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety crème fraîche sauce come together for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 2/3 lb penne pasta (cooked 1 minute less than package instructions)
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled and slightly crushed)
- 1 lb chicken thighs or chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1/2 tsp fine table salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp dried basil (+ more for serving, optional)
- 1 tbsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups crème fraîche
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic & Chicken:
Melt butter over medium heat, then add the garlic and fry for 1 minute. - Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just done (4-5 minutes). Remove the chicken and garlic from the pan and set aside. - Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken rests, cook the pasta 1 minute less than package instructions. - Prepare the Sauce:
Return the pan to medium-high heat with the melted butter and chicken juices still in it. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. - Add Seasonings & Crème Fraîche:
Stir in dried basil, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Then, add the crème fraîche and mix well. Simmer for 3-5 minutes. - Combine Everything:
Remove the garlic cloves, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cooked chicken. Drain the pasta and mix it into the sauce. Cook everything together for 2 minutes. - Finish & Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra dried basil and serve warm!
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results, but chicken breasts work well too.
- Substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for crème fraîche if needed.
- Try fettuccine or rigatoni instead of penne for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 759 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 140mg