Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli 😋 – A Dreamy Weeknight Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a rich, comforting, and restaurant-worthy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, look no further than this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli. This simple yet indulgent pasta dish brings together tender chicken, pillowy ravioli, and a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce that clings to every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a romantic dinner at home, this meal is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli
- Quick and Easy: Done in 30 minutes or less
- Flavorful: Packed with Italian herbs, garlic, and the bold taste of sun-dried tomatoes
- Versatile: Use your favorite ravioli—cheese, spinach, mushroom, or meat
- One-Pan Sauce: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
- Impressive yet Simple: Tastes gourmet, but even beginner cooks can nail it
Ingredients You’ll Need
This creamy pasta dish is made with simple ingredients that deliver big flavor:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound frozen ravioli – cheese, spinach, or meat-filled, your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (use oil-packed for best flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli
Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add frozen ravioli and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add to the pan and sauté for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Sauté for 2 minutes, then stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to deglaze the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Gently fold in the cooked ravioli. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Simmer for another 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Ravioli Dish
- Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes – oil-packed tomatoes add richness and flavor
- Don’t overcook the ravioli – they should be just tender to avoid falling apart
- Add veggies – sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes go beautifully with this sauce
- Make it richer – stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or ricotta for an ultra-creamy sauce
- Customize the protein – swap chicken for shrimp, sausage, or keep it vegetarian
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Chicken Ravioli pairs perfectly with a few simple sides:
- Garlic bread or a warm baguette to mop up extra sauce
- Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus
- A glass of chilled white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Storing & Reheating
To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
- Avoid microwaving too long, which can make the ravioli mushy.
To Freeze:
This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the ravioli for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh ravioli cooks faster, so watch it closely. Just boil until al dente and proceed as directed.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While ravioli adds richness, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or tortellini can be substituted.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of dairy, but note the flavor will differ from traditional recipes.
Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes. Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and store separately. Boil the ravioli fresh and combine just before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts: Creamy, Cheesy, and Unforgettably Delicious
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli is a pasta lover’s dream—creamy, bold, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a quick family meal or impressing guests, this dish combines comfort and elegance in one pan. With minimal effort and maximum payoff, it’s destined to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Serve it once, and you’ll be hooked for life.