Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta: Quick, Flavorful 1-Pan Meal

August 16, 2025

Creamy sun dried tomato pasta has become my absolute go-to for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. I remember the first time I tried to make a sun dried tomato cream sauce from scratch, and it was a disaster – too oily, too bland. But after much tinkering, I’ve landed on this incredibly easy creamy sun dried tomato chicken orzo recipe that never fails to impress. The aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes mingling is pure magic, and the first bite of that rich, velvety sauce coating tender chicken and orzo is pure comfort. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Incredible flavor combination of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and rich cream
Perfectly tender chicken and al dente orzo in every bite
Super quick prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights
A budget-friendly meal that feels gourmet
Family-friendly and always a crowd-pleaser
This one-pan dish means less cleanup!
A delicious way to enjoy a creamy sun dried tomato pasta dish
Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients

Ingredients for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward this amazing creamy sun dried tomato pasta dish. You’ll need:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – patted dry and seasoned
2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing
2 cloves garlic, minced – the aromatic base
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, chopped – these are key for that rich sun dried tomato flavor
2 cups fresh spinach – it wilts beautifully into the sauce
1 cup orzo pasta – it cooks perfectly in the sauce
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth – the liquid for our pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream – for that luxurious, creamy texture
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, cheesy depth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of classic herbs
Salt and pepper to taste – essential for balancing flavors
Fresh parsley, for garnish – for a pop of freshness and color

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce for Chicken

Step 1: Get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously all over with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Grab a large, oven-safe skillet and pour in the olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want a beautiful golden-brown crust, and they should be cooked through. Once done, take them out and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: In that same skillet, there’s still plenty of flavor left! Add the minced garlic and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for just 1-2 minutes. You’ll smell the wonderful aroma of garlic and the intense, sweet tang of the sun-dried tomatoes infusing the oil.
Step 4: Now, add the orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir it around, making sure every little grain gets coated in that savory garlic and sun-dried tomato mixture. Toasting the orzo for about 1-2 minutes helps it cook up with a better texture.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook, uncovered, for about 8-10 minutes. Stir it every so often to prevent sticking. You’ll see the orzo absorbing that flavorful broth, and it will start to thicken.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and the fresh spinach. Keep stirring gently for another 2-3 minutes. Watch as the spinach wilts down into the sauce, and the whole mixture transforms into a luscious, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This is where the magic happens for our creamy sun dried tomato pasta.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta: Quick, Flavorful 1-Pan Meal - Creamy Sun Dried Tomato - additional detail

Step 7: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and the sauce is even richer and smoother. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if needed. This rich sun-dried tomato cream is the heart of the dish.
Step 8: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into nice, bite-sized pieces.
Step 9: Serve the creamy orzo topped generously with the sliced chicken. Garnish with some fresh parsley for a bit of color and brightness. Enjoy this amazing creamy sun dried tomato chicken dish!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Recipe

Want to elevate your creamy sun dried tomato pasta? Follow these tips for the most delicious results:

Always use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil; they are more tender and flavorful than dry-packed ones.
Don’t skip toasting the orzo – it adds a nutty depth and prevents it from getting mushy.
Reserve some of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar; it’s liquid gold for adding extra flavor to the sauce.
Make sure your chicken is fully cooked before slicing; it ensures juiciness and safety.

What’s the secret to perfect sun dried tomato cream sauce?

The secret to a truly perfect sun dried tomato cream sauce is building flavor layers. Sautéing the garlic and tomatoes first, then toasting the orzo, and finally using good quality broth and cream creates that rich, velvety taste. For more culinary inspiration, explore our collection of recipes.

Can I make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the dish completely, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making this a fantastic meal prep option. You might also enjoy our turkey meatloaf recipe for another make-ahead meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken?

A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Also, avoid adding the spinach too early; let it wilt in the hot sauce at the end for the best texture. For other quick meal ideas, check out our boat dip or Korean BBQ meatballs.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Dish

This versatile creamy sun dried tomato pasta dish is a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. For a complete meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce. Steamed or roasted asparagus or a side of crusty garlic bread are also fantastic complements that soak up any extra sun-dried tomato cream sauce. If you’re looking for more side dish ideas, consider our crispy roasted cauliflower.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta: Quick, Flavorful 1-Pan Meal - Creamy Sun Dried Tomato - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

This creamy sun dried tomato chicken orzo is a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, keeping in mind that ingredient choices can slightly alter these values:

Calories: Approximately 550-600 kcal
Fat: Moderate
Saturated Fat: Moderate
Protein: Approximately 35-40g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
Fiber: Approximately 3-5g
Sugar: Low
Sodium: Moderate (depending on broth and added salt)

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For those interested in specific dietary approaches, you might find our Zepbound weight loss recipes or keto cottage cheese bread recipe helpful.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Leftovers of this delicious creamy sun dried tomato pasta are fantastic, and storing them properly ensures they stay tasty. Once the dish has cooled down a bit, transfer it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored sun dried tomato cream pasta sauce, reheating is simple. The best method is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Stir gently until it’s heated through and creamy again. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave it, just be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Flavor

What makes this creamy sun dried tomato flavor so good?

The magic lies in building layers of flavor. We start by sautéing garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, which really unlocks their intense, sweet-tart essence. Toasting the orzo pasta adds a subtle nutty depth, making the whole sun dried tomato cream sauce incredibly complex and satisfying. For more tips on flavor building, consider reading about flavor building blocks.

Can I adjust the sun dried tomato flavor intensity?

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder taste, you can use fewer sun-dried tomatoes or simply reduce the amount of oil they were packed in. Conversely, if you adore that concentrated sun-dried tomato flavor, feel free to add a few extra tomatoes or a tablespoon of the flavorful oil from the jar into the sauce.

How can I make this creamy sun dried tomato recipe spicier?

For a little kick, I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. You could also stir in a bit of cayenne pepper when you add the heavy cream. This adds a lovely warmth that complements the rich sun dried tomato cream pasta sauce beautifully.

Is there a way to make this creamy sun dried tomato pasta dish dairy-free?

Yes! For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (the kind from a can, not the beverage carton) and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It still creates a wonderfully rich and flavorful creamy sun dried tomato dish without the dairy.

Variations of Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Risotto You Can Try

While this recipe shines as a chicken orzo, the core flavors of a creamy sun dried tomato sauce are incredibly versatile. If you’re craving a different texture or want to adapt it for other dietary needs, here are a few ideas:

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Risotto: For a classic Italian experience, swap the orzo for Arborio rice. Follow standard risotto-making techniques, gradually adding warm broth and stirring frequently until the rice is creamy and al dente. This creates a luxurious, velvety dish bursting with that beloved sun dried tomato flavor.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Vegetarian Delight: Easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and plant-based chicken or chickpeas. This variation is perfect for a hearty meat-free meal, proving that a creamy sun dried tomato dish can be satisfying for everyone.
Sun Dried Tomato Infused Cream Sauce with Pasta: If you want to focus solely on the sauce, make a larger batch of the sun dried tomato cream sauce and serve it over your favorite pasta, like fettuccine or penne. You can also use this rich sauce as a base for chicken or seafood.