Indulge in a dish that feels gourmet but comes together with surprising ease. This Chicken Alfredo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe delivers a rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the sweet, tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes in every bite. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like a weekend treat.
Forget bland pasta nights. We’re elevating a classic with robust flavors that make this dish truly unforgettable. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring you get a perfect, velvety sauce without any fuss.
Why This Chicken Alfredo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary experience. The savory chicken and creamy parmesan sauce are perfectly balanced by the intense, sweet-tart flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a combination that hits all the right notes.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The sun-dried tomatoes provide a sophisticated flavor that cuts through the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
- Quick & Easy: You can have this stunning meal on the table in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Restaurant-Quality Sauce: We’ll show you how to build a smooth, creamy, and stable Alfredo sauce from scratch. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on making homemade Alfredo sauce.
The Key Ingredients for a Perfect Dish
The magic of this recipe lies in using quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy sun-dried tomato pasta to life.
For the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
- Heavy Cream: The essential base for a rich and luscious sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is non-negotiable for a smooth, non-grainy texture.
- Butter & Garlic: The aromatic foundation of any great Italian-inspired sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the oil-packed variety for the best flavor and texture. Don’t discard the oil!
For the Pasta and Chicken
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Fettuccine: The classic pasta choice for Alfredo, as its wide surface is perfect for catching the creamy sauce.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color to the finished dish.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a flawless pasta dinner. We’ll cook the components separately and then bring them all together for a spectacular finish.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Do not let it boil.
- Combine: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked chicken. Let it warm through for a minute. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the glorious sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Tips for the Creamiest Pasta
A few simple tricks can take your dish from good to great. Here’s how to ensure success every time.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Grating your own from a block is the secret to a silky-smooth sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when you toss it with the hot sauce.
- Temper the Cream: Let the heavy cream sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before adding it to the pan to prevent it from curdling.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this Chicken Alfredo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also wonderfully versatile. Try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts for extra veggies and flavor. For a different protein, consider swapping the chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage. If you love this flavor profile, you might also enjoy our Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken.
What to Serve With Your Alfredo
This dish is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, some steamed asparagus, or a side of crusty garlic bread are all excellent choices to round out the meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture, stirring until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This dish is wonderful with added vegetables. Fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or roasted red peppers would all be delicious additions. Add them in when you combine the chicken with the sauce.
While you can substitute milk, the sauce will be much thinner and less rich. For that classic, creamy Alfredo texture, heavy cream is highly recommended. A mix of half-and-half could be a middle-ground option.
The key is to use low heat. After adding the Parmesan cheese, keep the sauce at a gentle heat and do not let it boil. Whisk constantly until the cheese is just melted to ensure a smooth, stable emulsion.
For the best flavor and texture, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. They are plump, tender, and ready to use. You can also use a tablespoon of the flavorful oil from the jar to cook your chicken!
Reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and restore its original creamy consistency. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the sauce oily and the chicken tough.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes
If you loved this recipe, explore more of our pasta creations. From weeknight staples to elegant dinners, there’s always something new to try. We think you’ll particularly enjoy this Garlic Butter Steak Pasta for another comforting and flavorful meal.
We hope you love this creamy and delicious Chicken Alfredo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes! If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
Chicken Alfredo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Chicken Alfredo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Restaurant-Quality at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not allow the sauce to boil after adding the cheese.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked chicken. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't discard the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar! Use it to cook the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
Tip 3: If your sauce seems too thick, the reserved pasta water is the perfect way to thin it out while helping the sauce cling to the noodles.
