This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli with Parmesan transforms ordinary weeknight dinner into restaurant-quality comfort food. Rich, savory flavors come together in just 45 minutes.
Tender chicken pieces and pillowy ravioli swim in a luxurious cream sauce studded with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Not specified
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli with Parmesan delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home
- Ready in just 45 minutes for busy weeknight dinners
- One-pan preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience
- Rich, satisfying comfort food that pleases the whole family
- Perfect balance of protein, pasta, and creamy indulgent sauce
Quick Benefits
This hearty dish combines convenience with gourmet appeal, using simple pantry staples and frozen ravioli to create an impressive meal. The sun-dried tomatoes add depth while fresh Parmesan elevates every bite with authentic Italian flavor.
Ingredients
- 450 g frozen ravioli
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjustable
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 80 g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 6 green onions, chopped
- 15 g fresh parsley, chopped
- 240 ml heavy cream
- 120 ml chicken broth
- 100 g Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra for serving
Instructions
- Cook frozen ravioli in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package guidelines. Reserve 120 ml of pasta water before draining. Set ravioli aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden and cooked through, 5–7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, and parsley to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to combine.
- Add cooked ravioli and grated Parmesan to the pan. Gently toss to evenly coat pasta with sauce. If sauce is too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
You Must Know
The key to perfect Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli with Parmesan lies in timing and temperature control. Don’t let the cream sauce boil vigorously, as this can cause separation. Always add the Parmesan off the heat to prevent the cheese from becoming stringy or clumpy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately in warmed bowls topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Pair with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy richness beautifully.
Creative Variations
- Substitute spinach and ricotta ravioli for extra vegetables
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for additional texture
- Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of chopped tomatoes
- Replace chicken with cooked Italian sausage for bolder flavor
- Stir in baby spinach during the last minute of cooking
- Add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce for depth
Cultural Notes
While ravioli originated in Northern Italy, this American interpretation combines Italian pasta traditions with contemporary comfort food sensibilities. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes reflects the popularity of Mediterranean flavors in modern American cuisine, creating a fusion that honors both culinary traditions.
Pro Tips
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning for better browning
- Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for superior melting
- Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency
- Don’t overcook the ravioli as they’ll continue cooking in the sauce
- Let the cream sauce simmer gently to prevent curdling
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, adding salt gradually
- Warm serving bowls in a low oven for restaurant-style presentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli with Parmesan ahead of time?
A: The dish is best served immediately, but you can prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain texture.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half works but will be less rich, or use cream cheese thinned with milk for similar consistency.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
A: Keep heat at medium-low when simmering cream, and add Parmesan off the heat while stirring constantly.
Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Yes, fresh ravioli will cook faster, so adjust cooking time to 2-3 minutes or according to package directions.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce consistency.
Health Benefits
This protein-rich dish provides essential amino acids from chicken and calcium from Parmesan cheese. Sun-dried tomatoes contribute lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and may reduce inflammation.
- High-quality protein supports muscle maintenance and repair
- Calcium from cheese promotes bone health
- Lycopene from tomatoes offers antioxidant protection
- Garlic provides immune-supporting compounds
- Basil contains anti-inflammatory properties
Nutrition
Per serving: Calories: 685, Protein: 38g, Carbs: 52g, Fat: 35g, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 6g, Sodium: 890mg
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding cream or broth as needed. Make-ahead: Cook chicken and prepare sauce separately, then combine with freshly cooked ravioli. Substitutions: Use gluten-free ravioli if needed, and substitute nutritional yeast for dairy-free option.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli with Parmesan
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli with Parmesan transforms ordinary weeknight dinner into restaurant-quality comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding cream or broth as needed. Make-ahead: Cook chicken and prepare sauce separately, then combine with freshly cooked ravioli. Substitutions: Use gluten-free ravioli if needed, and substitute nutritional yeast for dairy-free option.