Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato And Chicken Fettuccine Recipe

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Fettuccine Recipe: Pure Magic

Weeknight dinners demand a magical sun-dried tomato and chicken fettuccine that whisks you away from ordinary meal routines.

Pasta lovers crave something special beyond standard recipes.

Silky noodles enveloped in rich, velvety sauce create an instant comfort experience.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together with remarkable harmony on your plate.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among al dente fettuccine strands.

Bursting with robust flavors, this dish promises a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.

Each forkful promises a delightful culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

Chicken Fettuccine With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream

  • Whip Up Flavor Quickly: This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for shrimp or create a vegetarian version by using plant-based protein, making this dish incredibly versatile for different dietary preferences.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for the entire cooking process, reducing dish washing and saving valuable post-dinner time.
  • Comfort Food Delight: The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a rich, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, delivering pure culinary comfort in every bite.

Chicken Fettuccine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Ingredient Set

Pasta Base:
  • Fettuccine: Classic Italian pasta that holds the creamy sauce well, choose a high-quality bronze-cut variety for better sauce absorption.
Protein Component:
  • Chicken Strips: Lean protein that adds substance to the dish, select boneless and skinless chicken breast for a tender texture.
Creamy Sauce Elements:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and smooth base for the sauce, ensures a luxurious and velvety consistency.
Aromatic Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that provide depth and complexity to the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated tomato flavor with a slightly tangy and sweet profile, adds Mediterranean character.
Herbal and Spice Accents:
  • Dried Basil, Red Pepper Flakes: Subtle herb and optional heat that complement the creamy sauce.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning and cooking fat that enhance overall flavor and help with cooking technique.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh finish that adds color and a light herb note to the dish.

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Fettuccine Instructions

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Drop fettuccine into a large pot of salted water.

Cook until pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Scoop out a half cup of pasta water before draining.

Set pasta aside for its delicious destiny.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Goodness

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle chicken strips with salt and pepper.

Cook those beauties until they turn golden brown and cook through completely, which takes about 6-8 minutes.

Lift chicken out and park it on a nearby plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Flavor Builders

In the same skillet, welcome onions and let them soften for 2-3 minutes.

Toss in garlic and let it dance around for another minute, releasing its incredible fragrance.

Step 4: Toast Sun-Dried Tomato Magic

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet.

Let them mingle and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and stir lovingly.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and watch it melt into silky smoothness.

Stir in dried basil and red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Return chicken to the skillet and coat it with the luscious sauce.

Add cooked fettuccine and toss until everything is beautifully combined.

If sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create perfect consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer to serving plates immediately.

Shower with fresh parsley for a final touch of freshness.

Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal!

Chicken Pasta Tips with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent sauce separation and ensure a smooth, silky texture.

Save that starchy pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and help ingredients bind together perfectly.

Cut chicken into uniform strips for even cooking and consistent, golden-brown searing that locks in maximum flavor.

Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet after cooking chicken to capture all those delicious browned bits and enhance overall taste.

Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat – start with a pinch for mild warmth or add more for a spicier kick that tantalizes your taste buds.

Store Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Fettuccine

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Let the dish cool completely to room temperature before sealing and placing in the refrigerator to prevent condensation and potential bacterial growth.
  • Enjoy refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety, checking for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore sauce consistency, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Fettuccine Matches

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy sauce's richness and cut through the sun-dried tomato's tangy flavor.
  • Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan to balance the pasta's creamy texture.
  • Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toast sourdough or Italian bread with garlic butter to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy contrast to the soft pasta.
  • Enhance with Roasted Asparagus: Prepare simple roasted asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper to provide a green vegetable side that adds nutritional balance and freshness.

Chicken Fettuccine with Tomato Creamy Edits

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled portobello mushrooms for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free fettuccine pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace fettuccine with spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, creamy sauce flavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with other pasta shapes like penne, linguine, or rigatoni. Choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

  • Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. The sun-dried tomato cream sauce will still be delicious.

  • How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. Start with a small pinch and adjust according to your spice tolerance. You can always add more or omit them completely.

  • What can I do if the sauce gets too thick?

If the sauce becomes too dense, gradually add the reserved pasta water while stirring. This will help thin out the sauce and create a smoother consistency.

Print
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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato And Chicken Fettuccine Recipe

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato And Chicken Fettuccine Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent “creamy sun-dried tomato and chicken fettuccine” blends Italian comfort with Mediterranean zest. Rich pasta promises a satisfying journey through silky sauce, tender chicken, and sun-kissed tomatoes you’ll savor until the last delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1/3 cup (50 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Seasonings and Oil:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large pot with salted water and cook fettuccine until perfectly tender, maintaining an al dente texture. Carefully extract and preserve half a cup of pasta liquid before draining the noodles.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Delicately season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then sauté until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
  3. Utilize the identical skillet to caramelize onions, gently sweating them until translucent and soft. Introduce minced garlic and allow aromatics to bloom for an additional minute.
  4. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet, stirring periodically to release their concentrated flavor and prevent burning.
  5. Stream heavy cream into the mixture, creating a luxurious base. Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese until achieving a silky, homogeneous sauce. Enhance with dried basil and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
  6. Reintroduce sautéed chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Carefully fold fettuccine into the mixture, gently tossing to distribute ingredients evenly. Adjust sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water if needed.
  7. Plate immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for deeper, richer flavor that enhances the overall sauce complexity.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for smoother melting and more intense cheese flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a pinch for mild warmth or increase for spicier results.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 690
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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