I love making this Creamy Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti with Dill when I want a rich, comforting pasta dish with a fresh herbal twist. The tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and silky cream sauce come together beautifully, while dill adds an unexpected brightness that makes the flavors pop.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish feels indulgent yet balanced. The cream sauce is rich and smooth, but the sun-dried tomatoes and dill keep it from feeling too heavy.
I also appreciate how quickly it comes together. I can have a flavorful, satisfying dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
I find this recipe perfect for both weeknight meals and casual entertaining because it looks impressive but requires simple steps.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 ounces spaghetti
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes
Directions
I start by cooking the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. I reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I season the sliced chicken with salt and black pepper, then cook it for about 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. I remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. I add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
I pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Then I stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce gently simmer until slightly thickened.
I add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
I return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the drained spaghetti. I add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Finally, I stir in the fresh dill and adjust the seasoning. If I want a little heat, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes before serving.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Variations
I sometimes substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist. When I want extra vegetables, I add spinach or sautéed mushrooms.
I also enjoy using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter version.
For extra brightness, I add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s texture. I avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.
I do not usually freeze this dish because cream-based sauces can separate after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, I use a smaller amount since dried dill has a more concentrated flavor.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes work best?
I prefer oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes because they are softer and more flavorful.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead, then combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?
I add reserved pasta water or a splash of broth to loosen it as needed.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes, I sometimes use fettuccine or penne if I don’t have spaghetti on hand.
Conclusion
I love how this Creamy Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti with Dill combines rich creaminess with bright, tangy flavor. It’s comforting, elegant, and easy to prepare in under an hour. Whenever I want a satisfying pasta dish with a fresh twist, this recipe is one I gladly make.
PrintCreamy Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti with Dill
A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce brightened with fresh dill. This flavorful spaghetti comes together in about 30 minutes and feels both indulgent and perfectly balanced.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season sliced chicken with salt and black pepper and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce gently simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add drained spaghetti. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in fresh dill and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired and serve.
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor and texture.
- Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood variation.
- Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
