There’s something truly magical about the rich, tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes mingling with creamy mozzarella and tender chicken over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish has become a household favorite across the world — from cozy weeknight dinners to special family gatherings. It’s hearty yet simple, indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make.

If you’ve ever craved a restaurant-quality pasta meal that bursts with flavor and creamy goodness, this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. 🍝✨

Let’s dive into why this dish wins hearts everywhere — and how you can master it right in your own kitchen.

  You Might Also Like:
  
  Loading posts...

❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

Few pasta dishes strike the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication like this one. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a deep, tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mozzarella sauce. The chicken adds satisfying protein, and the fresh basil and red pepper flakes tie everything together with freshness and a little kick of spice.

What makes this recipe so universally adored is how adaptable it is:

You can use any pasta — penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
You can make it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
It’s a one-skillet wonder, so cleanup is minimal.
The sauce thickens beautifully and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers (if there are any!).

And let’s not forget that this dish smells absolutely divine while cooking — that garlic, tomato, and cream aroma filling your kitchen is enough to make anyone hungry.

🧄 The Power of Simple Ingredients

Every component in this recipe brings something special to the table:

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, chewy, and tangy, they’re the flavor bomb that makes this dish stand out. Using the oil they’re packed in infuses even more tomato goodness into the sauce.
Garlic: A non-negotiable in Italian-inspired dishes. It enhances every flavor and gives depth to the creamy base.
Chicken Breast Tenderloins: Quick-cooking and juicy, they soak up the seasoning and sauce like a sponge.
Mozzarella Cheese: Using shredded mozzarella (not fresh) is key to a smooth, silky sauce that clings to every pasta piece.
Half-and-Half: This combo of milk and cream gives you richness without being too heavy.
Basil and Red Pepper Flakes: These bring brightness and a bit of edge to the creamy sauce.

The simplicity of the ingredients is what makes this dish timeless. You can easily find everything at your local grocery store, and the final result feels gourmet.

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy, flavorful pasta dish every time:

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (ideally from the sun-dried tomato jar) over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 4 ounces of sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for about 1 minute — just until the garlic is fragrant and golden.

🧑‍🍳 Tip: Don’t let the garlic brown too much; you want it aromatic, not bitter.

Remove the tomatoes, leaving the flavored oil in the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add 1 pound of chicken breast tenderloins, seasoned with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of paprika, into the same skillet. Cook over high heat for 1 minute per side until golden. The goal isn’t to cook it through yet — just to get that beautiful sear and flavor. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken rests, cook 8 ounces of penne pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water — you’ll use this to adjust your sauce later.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Return the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chicken to the skillet. Add 1 cup of half-and-half and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and stir continuously until the cheese melts into a creamy, luscious sauce.

🍅 Pro Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat every piece in the sauce. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for that final flavor punch.

Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes so all the flavors can meld together beautifully.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and extra red pepper flakes as desired.

🌿 Serving Suggestions

This pasta dish is rich and satisfying, but you can elevate it even more with simple sides:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the extra sauce.
Green Salad: A fresh side of arugula or spinach with balsamic vinaigrette balances the creaminess.
Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini make great companions.

You can also pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc — their acidity complements the creamy mozzarella sauce beautifully. 🍷

🍝 Tips for the Best Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Don’t skip the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. It’s infused with flavor and makes the sauce extra aromatic.
Use pre-shredded mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella tends to clump; pre-shredded melts smoothly into the sauce.
Add pasta water gradually. It’s starchy and helps the sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.
Make it vegetarian! Skip the chicken and add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers instead.

🧊 Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? Lucky you!

Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.

This dish reheats wonderfully — the flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.

💬 Why You’ll Make It Again and Again

This recipe checks every box:
✅ Easy to make in under 30 minutes
✅ Uses simple, accessible ingredients
✅ Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor
✅ Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or meal prep

It’s no wonder this creamy pasta has become a viral favorite — it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that never fails to impress.