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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a comforting and elegant dish combining tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce that perfectly coats your choice of pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers rich and approachable flavors that can be easily customized for different dietary preferences and tastes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Produce & Herbs

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Pantry Staples

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use with the sauce.
  3. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another minute to release their flavors.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and tomatoes. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Adjust consistency by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce clings perfectly.
  5. Combine It All: Add the cooked chicken pieces and pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Finish by stirring in torn fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking and tender texture.
  • Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor and softer texture.
  • Do not overcook pasta; aim for al dente for best texture with sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water as its starch helps thicken and bind the sauce.
  • Keep heat low after adding cream to avoid curdling and maintain silky sauce.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently adding a splash of cream or water to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: sun-dried tomato chicken pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, Italian pasta recipe, chicken pasta recipe

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/creamy-sun-dried-tomato-chicken-pasta/