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    Home » Main Dishes » Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken

    Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken

    Published: Aug 31, 2020 · Modified: Jun 30, 2022 by Sula · This post may contain affiliate links · 32 Comments

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    It’s time for an easy and delicious recipe that combines chicken with sun dried tomato pesto in a creamy pasta sauce. Start the pasta while making the sauce and you will be ready to serve this in about 20 minutes!

    What kind of chicken is needed for this recipe?

    There are different versions of this recipe floating around, most using chicken breasts. I started out making this with chicken breasts and worked on the sauce. But after a few tries I realized that this sauce is ideal for using cooked shredded chicken. So now I either use leftover shredded chicken (breast or thigh) or purchase already cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken for the ultimate in convenience. It makes a perfect dinner for weeknights or any other day when time is just not on your side.

    How to make sauce from sun dried tomato pesto

    It starts with mushrooms. Saute the mushrooms in a skillet with oil/butter. Then add the rotisserie chicken. Stir and cook this a couple minutes - you are really just warming up the chicken here. After a few minutes, transfer the chicken and mushrooms to a bowl while you make the sauce.

    For the sauce, of course you need a jar of sun-dried tomato pesto. I’ve tried several brands of tomato pesto and have liked them all for this recipe. The jars vary in size from about 6 - 6.5 ounces. Just put the whole jar in. Then slowly add the half and half, whisking vigorously while adding. Whisk and cook for 3 minutes.

    Add the mushrooms and chicken back to the pan and stir to coat. Cook for another 4-5 minutes. You will notice the sauce will start to reduce and thicken a little bit. Adjust seasoning with a little salt and freshly ground pepper, as desired.

    Sun dried tomato pesto chicken in a pan, adding spinach

    Add the spinach and mix it in – it only needs to wilt.

    How to serve

    If you like to serve pasta and sauce separately, then feel free to do so. It works best if people have different preferences. For instance, I might want the sauce on zoodles and the carnivore will always choose traditional pasta noodles. Keeping the items separate helps with that.

    adding noodles to the pan of sauce

    But when just having pasta, it is my preference to add the pasta to the sauce as soon as both are ready. When you do this, the pasta with absorb some of the sauce flavor and you can be sure there is an equal amount of sauce on every noodle! Somehow, I always end up with leftover pasta or sauce when I keep them separate!

    sun dried tomato pesto chicken on a plate with a side salad

    I like to serve this with a simple green salad so I can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less!

    pin for sun dried tomato pesto chicken

    Either way, it is simply delicious!

    pan of sun dried tomato pesto chicken sauce
    5 from 83 votes
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    Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken

    An easy weeknight dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 779kcal
    Author: Sula

    Ingredients

    • 1½ - 2 pounds chicken cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
    • 8 oz mushrooms sliced (button or cremini)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 ½ cup half and half
    • 6-6.5 oz jar sun-dried tomato pesto
    • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves rough chopped
    • 2 cups dried pasta rotini or similar

    Instructions

    • Begin cooking pasta according to package directions. When done, drain and set aside.
    • Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Add the chicken and stir with the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken and mushrooms to a bowl.
    • Add pesto to skillet. Slowly add the half and half, whisking to combine. Continue whisking and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes.
    • Add the chicken and mushrooms back to the pan and stir to coat. Cook for 4-5 minutes; sauce will reduce and thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
    • Add the spinach and mix in.
    • Add cooked pasta to the pan and stir to coat.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 779kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 187mg | Sodium: 603mg | Potassium: 809mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2356IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 179mg | Iron: 3mg

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

    Recipe FAQs

    Are sun dried tomatoes bad for you?

    Sun dried tomatoes are packed with nutrients and anti-oxidants (including lycopene) that are believed to decrease the risk of certain cancers, neutralize free radicals and decrease inflammation. They are also loaded with vitamins C (which supports the immune system) and K, as well as iron. (trainafoods.com)

    Sounds pretty healthy to me!

    Could the sun-dried tomato pesto make a vegetarian sauce?

    I haven't tried it yet but it is on my list to try! I think all those mushrooms would make the sauce "meaty" enough, plus the spinach gives some variety and ups the nutrition. If you try it before me, let me know how it goes!

    Love pasta? Penne alla Vodka sauce with Chicken is another delicious choice. Or, try my green pasta sauce for a different and healthy spin on pasta!

    « Bacardi Mojito
    Grilled Broccoli in Foil »

    Filed Under: Chicken, Main Dishes Tagged With: Carnivores, pasta

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea Metlika

      September 12, 2020 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      What a quick, easy and delicious meal. My family will love this.

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 12, 2020 at 6:47 pm

        Yes they will!

        Reply
    2. Cate

      September 12, 2020 at 12:56 pm

      This recipe looks so yummy! Thanks for the recipe making this tonight!!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 12, 2020 at 6:48 pm

        You're welcome, I'm sure you will love it!

        Reply
    3. Neli Howard

      September 12, 2020 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      This looks so good! I’m in need for some new chicken recipes and this one looks like a keeper. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 12, 2020 at 12:42 pm

        You're very welcome! I hope you enjoy it soon!

        Reply
    4. sarah johnson

      September 12, 2020 at 10:28 am

      5 stars
      You can never go wrong with a classic! Great recipe thanks

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 12, 2020 at 10:33 am

        You're welcome, enjoy!

        Reply
    5. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      September 12, 2020 at 10:15 am

      5 stars
      This dish has my mouth watering, it sounds so good! What a tasty mix of flavours.

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 12, 2020 at 10:33 am

        It's one of my favorites!

        Reply
    6. Kerri

      September 09, 2020 at 7:13 am

      5 stars
      You had me at pesto! This is so delicious my family just eats it up

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 09, 2020 at 7:58 am

        Mine too! It's one of our faves!

        Reply
    7. Jennifer

      September 09, 2020 at 6:59 am

      5 stars
      Oh Iwow! I love chicken and sun dried tomatoes together. This dish looks fantastic!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 09, 2020 at 7:58 am

        I really is very tasty!

        Reply
    8. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      September 08, 2020 at 9:57 pm

      5 stars
      Mmm... I think I just heard my tummy growl. lol. Thank you for making me hungry!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 08, 2020 at 10:06 pm

        LOL glad I could help!

        Reply
    9. Debra

      September 08, 2020 at 11:21 am

      5 stars
      So many rich flavors here.....YUM. You had me at pesto...but the sun dried tomato addition is just perfect!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 08, 2020 at 2:28 pm

        It's so good!

        Reply
    10. Amanda Marie Boyle

      September 08, 2020 at 4:30 am

      5 stars
      I love any excuse for sun-dried tomatoes, but the pesto version takes it to a new level! awesome!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 08, 2020 at 11:09 am

        Yes whoever invented sun-dried tomato pesto deserves a medal!

        Reply
    11. Angela

      September 08, 2020 at 3:40 am

      5 stars
      As a good Sicilian girl I love dried tomatoes! and this recipe is delicious thanks

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 08, 2020 at 11:10 am

        I'm so glad you loved it Angela, thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    12. Amy

      September 07, 2020 at 10:22 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for the recipe! Never thought o look for sun dried tomato pesto before and it was fantastic!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 08, 2020 at 11:10 am

        I'm glad you liked it Amy. Sun-dried tomato pesto is a favorite of mine!

        Reply
    13. Ashley

      September 07, 2020 at 6:25 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious! My family enjoyed it so much!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 07, 2020 at 6:38 pm

        I'm so glad! We love it here too!

        Reply
    14. Taleen | Just As Tasty

      September 07, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so flavorful and delicious! I love sun dried tomato so I know I am going to love this.

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 07, 2020 at 6:39 pm

        If you like sun dried tomato anything, you will totally love this!

        Reply
    15. Emily Flint

      September 07, 2020 at 4:54 pm

      5 stars
      I love this chicken recipe and the mushrooms were an unexpected add that was perfect! Everyone in my family devoured this dish!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 07, 2020 at 6:40 pm

        It goes fast here too. The mushrooms are so perfect in the sauce!

        Reply
    16. Sarah James

      September 07, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      What a tasty recipe, I love how quick and easy it is to make, thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 07, 2020 at 6:41 pm

        You are so welcome. It's almost surprising how easy it is to make, because the result is so darn good!

        Reply

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