Creamy Chicken and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Creamy Chicken Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta and chicken with a creamy sauce that requires no cream. The sun-dried tomatoes lend the sauce their tangy flavor and chewy texture to really elevate the dish. And this version is also gluten-free and dairy-free so that anyone with these sensitivities can enjoy!

Since being mostly gluten-free and dairy-free for many years, I have learned to find substitutions that still allow me to enjoy my favorite pasta dishes! Some of those include Creamy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta and Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce. The other one I love serving for a crowd is veggie-packed pasta sauce because you can serve it over any pasta that your guests prefer.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: This 30-minute meal is perfect for any weeknight and can even be made in one pot.

High Protein: It’s made with chicken (my favorite protein source) and chickpea pasta, which has about 19 grams of protein per serving.

Nutritious: Not only is it high in protein, but it’s also packed with veggies and whole ingredients.

Ingredients You Need

Chickpea Pasta: I like Banza Pasta the best. This chickpea pasta is much higher in protein and fiber than regular pasta.

Sun Dried Tomatoes: Any jarred version will do. I like to make sure they are packed in olive oil.

JOI: This is a one-ingredient nut base. I use the cashew flavor in this recipe. You can also use cashew butter if you don't have this on hand.

Chicken Breast:  I like to ensure my chicken is organic and doesn’t have antibiotics. Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein.

White onions: are full of antioxidants that help fight inflammation. They also have folate, manganese, and some vitamin C. They are antibacterial, help digestion (for some), and can help reduce your risk of cancer.

Spinach: is the main lettuce in this salad and it is one of the best greens to use for a salad! It is full of iron, potassium, and calcium. It aids in lowering blood pressure, regulating digestion and blood sugar, and so much more.

Garlic: is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It helps fight many diseases like the common cold, heart disease, and others.

Italian Seasoning: is typically a mix of thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, and marjoram. With all these spices it has tons of flavor and lots of health benefits because each herb has its own healthy properties!

Parsley: is a versatile herb that goes great in many dishes. It is packed full of antioxidants and vitamins that support your brain health, immune system, and even your bone health.

Red pepper flakes: are a concentrated source of heat due to the presence of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spicy sensation. They also provide a modest amount of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function. Additionally, the capsaicin in red pepper flakes has been associated with various health benefits, including potential pain relief and metabolism-boosting effects.

Oregano: Oregano offers various health benefits, including its antioxidant-rich nature, which helps combat free radicals, and it is a natural antimicrobial agent, aiding in the prevention and treatment of infections. Additionally, it may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Salt and Pepper

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Follow the directions on the package of the pasta you choose.

Saute: Add onions and garlic to a pan with olive oil and saute until the onions are translucent.

Sauté: Add onions and garlic to a pan with olive oil and sauté until the onions are translucent.

Make the sauce: Add sun-dried tomatoes, cashew base, and chicken broth to the pan. Mix until the cashew base is combined, creating a cream-like sauce. 

Combine and toss: Add the chicken, additional sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta to the sauce. Stir until coated and enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Troubleshooting: If the sauce gets too thick, add 1 tablespoon of chicken broth at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

Pasta: Serve over your favorite noodles or even veggie noodles.

Cashew Nut Base: You can also use cashew butter if you do not have JOI on hand. This will still give you creamy sun-dried tomato pasta.

Meat: This would also be really good paired with spicy sausage instead of chicken.

Storage Tips

If you’re cooking for a family this Tuscan-inspired chicken pasta will feed four, but is also great for leftovers. If you want it for lunch the next day (or days) be sure to double the recipe! 

Cooking once and eating twice is a perfect strategy when making pasta because of how well it stores in the refrigerator. It will store for up to five days in an airtight container.

FAQs about Creamy Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

What flavor do sun-dried tomatoes add?

They have a chewy, leathery texture with a deep, robust flavor that adds a burst of umami to any dish. They are very briny flavored and have a distinct flavor.

Are sun-dried tomatoes healthy?

Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They have a particularly high concentration of lycopene, which can be good for oral health, bone health, and heart health.

Are sun-dried tomatoes the same as pesto?

Sun-dried tomatoes are nothing like pesto, however, they are sweet-and-savory flavor bomb. If you use them in place of basil in the pesto it can still give you a delicious alternative when basil is not in season.