Last Updated on 15 September, 2026 by Elby | The Tasteful Pantry
A creamy chicken and sundried tomato pasta recipe, full of flavour and on the table in 15 minutes! What could be better for dinner on a busy night?!
More Easy Creamy Pasta Recipes
Ingredients for the Creamy Sundried Tomato Pasta
No need for extra oil in this recipe, there is plenty of flavour-packed oil in the sundried tomato pesto.
- A short pasta shape preferably with curves to catch the sauce
- Sundried tomato pesto – any brand is fine. I like to use Leggo’s for the ‘chunkiness’
- Thickened cream
- Dried oregano
- Chilli flakes, optional
- Salt and pepper
- Cooked chicken, perfect for using up leftovers – I threw this in because it was in the fridge, but the pasta still tastes great without
- Freshly grated parmesan
- A handful of baby spinach
How to Make Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta
This sundried tomato pasta recipe was a quick last minute meal, throwing some leftover ingredients and a few other things in a pot with some pasta… and it was delicious!
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Before draining, scoop out and reserve some of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop it cooking any further.
Step 2: Using the same saucepan, place it back over a low to medium heat. Add the sundried tomato pesto along with the reserved pasta water, stirring gently to loosen the sauce.
Step 3: Return the pasta to the pan and toss well so every piece is nicely coated in that glossy pesto base.
Step 4: Pour in the cream, then sprinkle over the oregano, chilli flakes (if using), salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce looks smooth and has thickened a little.
Step 5: Add the cooked chicken, grated parmesan and baby spinach. Keep the heat low and stir gently until the chicken is warmed through, the cheese has melted into the sauce and the spinach has just wilted.
Step 6: Remove from the heat and serve the sundried tomato pasta straight away, finished with an extra grating of parmesan if you’re feeling generous.
Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta FAQs
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni are best for catching the sauce, but long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti also work well if you prefer something twirlable.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
You can, though it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of water, cream or stock to loosen the sauce.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Mushrooms, zucchini, roasted capsicum and even snow peas all work well and add colour and extra nutrition.
Feedback and more: Did you try the chicken and sundried tomato pasta recipe? Select a star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment below to let me know how it was. Cheers, Elby!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might like some of my other easy pasta meals, dinner ideas and one pot wonders.
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Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta
*Note: Adjusting servings will not adjust the ‘light grey’ quantities
Ingredients
- 250 grams pasta - any short shape, retain 120ml cooking water
- 85 grams sundried tomato pesto
- 180 ml cream - thickened
- 40 ml sour cream
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp chilli flakes - optional
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 100 grams cooked chicken
- 40 grams parmesan cheese - grated, plus some optional extra for serving
- ½ cup baby spinach - whole
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to packet instructions and retain 120mls of the pasta water before draining. Run the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Use the same saucepan and heat over low to medium heat. Add the tomato pesto and the pasta water. Return the pasta to the pan and coat with the sauce.
- Add the cream, sour cream, oregano, chilli (if using), salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Stir in the chicken, cheese and baby spinach and heat on low until the mix is heated through, the cheese has melted and the spinach has started to wilt.
- Remove from the heat and serve immediately, topped with a little extra grated parmesan.
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutrition and calorie figures are estimates only.
