One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner
Jump to Recipe
Product links may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Craving a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and unbelievably easy to prepare? Look no further than this **One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta**. It’s a true weeknight champion, bursting with the rich, savory notes of sun-dried tomatoes, the vibrant freshness of cherry tomatoes, and the aromatic zest of basil pesto. This delightful chicken pasta recipe requires less than 10 ingredients and comes together in under thirty minutes, making it an absolute must-have on your weekly dinner rotation. Get ready to impress your taste buds with minimal effort and even less cleanup!
Why You’ll Love This Easy One-Pot Chicken Pasta
This sun-dried tomato chicken pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a revelation. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a sauce so rich and creamy, all infused with Mediterranean flavors, and all from a single pot! The magic of one-pot recipes lies in their simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor they create. As the ingredients simmer together, they meld beautifully, creating a harmonious and utterly satisfying dish. Plus, with only one pot to clean, your kitchen stays tidy, giving you more time to enjoy your delicious creation and less time scrubbing dishes. This recipe is perfect for busy families, students, or anyone looking for a quick yet gourmet-tasting meal.
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, with their concentrated, sweet-tart essence, and fresh cherry tomatoes, which pop with bright acidity, provides a dynamic tomato flavor profile. Basil pesto adds an aromatic, herbaceous kick, bringing everything together in a symphony of tastes. It’s a comforting meal that feels special but is effortlessly achieved.
Crafting Your Delicious Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Creating this dreamy and flavorful sun-dried tomato pasta is incredibly straightforward, coming together in approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the simple steps:
- **Sauté the Chicken:** Begin by heating a touch of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – this is your star player for our one-pot wonder! Add your chicken pieces, seasoned generously with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully golden brown on all sides and thoroughly cooked through. This initial searing locks in flavor and ensures tender, juicy chicken. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- **Cook the Pasta:** Now, using the very same pot (because we take one-pot recipes seriously here!), add the specified amount of water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your chosen short pasta. Cook according to package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente – tender with a slight bite. If there’s any excess water after the pasta is cooked, feel free to drain it using a handy tool like my favorite silicone clip-on strainer – it’s a game-changer for quick draining!
- **Combine and Finish:** Reduce the heat to low. Into the pasta, stir in the vibrant fresh cherry tomatoes, the aromatic basil pesto, and the intensely flavored chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix everything well until the pasta is coated in the rich, fragrant sauce. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the pot. You can cube the chicken for bite-sized pieces or slice it into strips, depending on your preference. Stir gently to incorporate the chicken with the pasta and sauce.
For an extra touch of freshness and elegance, consider garnishing with some fresh basil leaves just before serving. Otherwise, it’s perfectly delicious as is. Get ready to devour this magnificent meal!
Elevating Your Meal: Perfect Pairings for Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
While this flavorful one-pot chicken pasta is absolutely satisfying on its own, especially for a quick weekday dinner, it also shines when paired with complementary side dishes. If you’re hosting guests or planning a special Sunday dinner, consider these delicious additions to complete your meal:
- **Light and Fresh Sides:** To balance the richness of the pasta, steamed vegetables are an excellent choice. Think crisp green beans, tender broccoli florets, or asparagus, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. A fresh side salad with mixed greens, a light vinaigrette, and perhaps some cucumber slices or bell peppers would also add a refreshing, vibrant element to the plate.
- **Carb Lovers’ Delight:** For those who appreciate a truly hearty and comforting meal, embrace the carb overload! Serving this pasta alongside homemade bread is simply divine. My Easy One Hour Dinner Rolls are quick to make and perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce. Alternatively, my Garlic Pull Apart Rolls offer an irresistible savory twist. Both options are guaranteed to complement the meal beautifully and leave your guests thoroughly impressed.
- **Wine Pairing:** For adults, a light-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or a dry Rosé would perfectly complement the tomato and basil flavors without overpowering the dish.
Explore More One-Pot Pasta Perfection
If you’ve been following along, you know my deep affection for pasta, and it’s a love my kids wholeheartedly share. Pasta is truly one of those magical meals that brings excitement to the dinner table for everyone. What I adore most is its incredible versatility. It’s a blank canvas where I can easily incorporate whatever protein I have stashed in the freezer, combine it with seasonal vegetables, and effortlessly create a complete, balanced meal. The convenience of using just one pot means minimal fuss and maximum flavor, making these recipes ideal for any day of the week. Ready to expand your one-pot repertoire? Here are some of our family’s absolute favorite one-pot pasta recipes that I highly recommend:
- **One Pot Tomato Chicken Feta Pasta:** A Mediterranean-inspired delight featuring juicy chicken, burst cherry tomatoes, and salty feta cheese, all simmered in one pot for an unforgettable creamy sauce.
- **Tuscan Chicken Pasta:** Experience the rich flavors of Tuscany with creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes (yes, more sun-dried tomatoes!), spinach, and succulent chicken, all prepared in a single pan.
- **Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:** A family-friendly crowd-pleaser combining crispy bacon, tender chicken, and the irresistible tang of ranch dressing in a comforting pasta dish.
- **Taco Pasta:** All the beloved flavors of your favorite tacos, transformed into a hearty and cheesy one-pot pasta meal that’s perfect for a fun twist on taco night.
- **One Pot Pasta and Peas:** A simple yet satisfying vegetarian option that’s quick, fresh, and surprisingly delicious, perfect for a lighter meal or a quick side.
One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Chicken breast
- Salt And Pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp Dried Basil
- 4 cups Water
- 12 oz Short Pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, farfalle)
- 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Basil Pesto
- ½ cup Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breast pieces and season them with salt, black pepper, and dried basil. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- Using the same pot, add 4 cups of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully add the short pasta to the boiling water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches a tender, al dente texture. If there is any excess liquid remaining in the pot after the pasta is cooked, drain it off, reserving a tablespoon or two if you like a slightly saucier finish.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, the rich basil pesto, and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes directly into the pot with the cooked pasta. Stir all the ingredients well to combine them, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, dicing it into smaller cubes or strips if desired, or leaving it whole. Gently stir again to mix the chicken into the pasta. Serve immediately and enjoy this quick, delicious, and easy one-pot meal!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Individual ingredient brands and preparation methods may affect final nutritional values. This information is intended for general guidance and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.