Pesto Cream Pasta with Chicken & Sun-Dried Tomato is a vibrant and indulgent dish that beautifully blends the richness of creamy sauce with the bright, herbaceous flavors of basil pesto. The tender chicken adds a satisfying protein element, while the sun-dried tomatoes provide bursts of tangy sweetness that elevate the dish to gourmet levels. This pasta is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and aromatic, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

The dish has the comforting creaminess we all love, yet it feels refined and full of Italian-inspired flavors. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it transforms everyday pantry staples into a flavorful meal that feels restaurant-worthy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender sautéed chicken, rich cream, nutty Parmesan, fragrant basil pesto, and chewy sun-dried tomatoes creates a luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Every bite is aromatic, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

What makes it even better is how versatile it is. You can adjust the creaminess, the pesto intensity, or the tanginess depending on what you prefer. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet still fresh, thanks to the pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity. It looks impressive, tastes gourmet, and can be made in under 30 minutes. If you love creamy pasta dishes with bold, fresh flavors, this recipe delivers in every way.

Its mix of textures—juicy chicken, soft pasta, and slightly chewy sun-dried tomatoes—makes for a delightful eating experience. Plus, it’s a recipe you can easily tailor to your taste by adding vegetables, swapping proteins, or adjusting sauce thickness.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories Approximately 580 calories per serving
(Varies depending on pesto, cream, and cheese used)

Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian / Italian-American Fusion

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, farfalle, or fettuccine)
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into thin strips
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (oil-packed, drained)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the pasta until al dente.
2. Sauté the chicken until golden.
3. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Stir in cream, pesto, and Parmesan to create the sauce.
5. Combine pasta with the creamy pesto mixture.
6. Garnish and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil for extra flavor) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and fully cooked.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly to soften and release flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth. Then add the basil pesto and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is reached.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off heat, taste, and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve warm, directly from the skillet or plated with a sprinkle of fresh basil and Parmesan. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A crisp green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

Recipe Tips

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor.
• Add pasta water gradually to adjust sauce thickness.
• For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter at the end.
• For a more herbaceous flavor, stir in extra pesto right before serving.
• Slice chicken thinly to ensure even cooking.

Variations

Shrimp Pesto Cream Pasta

Substitute chicken with shrimp; cook shrimp until pink, then continue as directed.

Vegetarian Version

Replace chicken with mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.

Lightened-Up Option

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce Parmesan slightly.

Spicy Pesto Cream Pasta

Add red chili flakes or swirl in a teaspoon of Calabrian chili paste.

Extra Cheesy Version

Add 1/2 cup mozzarella for a thicker, gooier sauce.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore sauce texture.

Freezing

Freeze only the sauce (not the pasta) for up to 2 months.
To use: thaw overnight, heat in a pan, then add freshly cooked pasta.

Pasta with cream sauce does not freeze well because it may separate.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Can I use homemade pesto?

Yes, homemade pesto enhances freshness and flavor.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Milk alone won’t thicken well, but you can use half-and-half or add a little cream cheese.

Can I make it ahead for meal prep?

Yes, but add a splash of liquid when reheating because the sauce thickens in the fridge.

Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes can work, but the tangy depth of sun-dried tomatoes is unique.

Which pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie holds the sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

Pesto Cream Pasta with Chicken & Sun-Dried Tomato is a delightful fusion of creamy richness, vibrant pesto flavor, and savory protein that creates a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s simple to prepare, full of gourmet flair, and customizable to fit your taste or diet. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night at home or a special gathering, this dish delivers elegance, comfort, and bold flavor in every bite. Enjoy the delightful harmony of cream, basil pesto, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes in this unforgettable pasta recipe.