When the sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce come together with perfectly cooked pasta, you realize you’ve hit culinary gold. Picture a plate piled high, vibrant colors dancing against the creamy backdrop, while aromatic basil teases your senses. savory pizza variations This isn’t just dinner; it’s a fiesta for your taste buds!
You might find yourself reminiscing about cozy dinners with friends or those spontaneous weeknight meals that turned into legendary fights over the last bite of creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta. one pot dinner ideas It’s the kind of dish that whispers, “You deserve this,” after a long day. So grab your forks and prepare for flavor fireworks that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is a one-pan wonder that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor
- The rich sauce envelops every strand of pasta, making it visually stunning and incredibly satisfying on any plate
- Perfect for casual weeknight dinners or impressing guests at special occasions!
Sharing this dish at family gatherings always earns me applause and happy bellies.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts, but feel free to adjust for your crowd’s appetite.
- Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): Choose your favorite shape, but remember that wider noodles hold onto that creamy sauce better. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Seafood Delight recipe.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for packed in oil for extra flavor; they bring tangy sweetness to the party.
- Fresh Garlic: Nothing beats freshly minced garlic; it adds depth and aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- Heavy Cream: For that dreamy creaminess that coats every bite; substitute with half-and-half if you’re feeling light.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated elevates the dish; sprinkle generously for an added umami kick.
- Spinach or Kale: A handful of greens adds nutrition and color; plus, who doesn’t love sneaking in some veggies?
- Olive Oil: Essential for cooking the chicken and infusing flavors throughout the dish; use high-quality extra virgin if possible.
- Salt & Pepper: Always essential; season to taste to enhance all those glorious flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. crispy artichoke sides Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side.
Add Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Toss in minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes; watch out for garlic burning!
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while scraping up any bits stuck to the skillet. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Add Spinach & Combine Pasta: Fold in fresh spinach until wilted. Then add your cooked pasta back into the skillet, gently tossing everything together until well coated.
Season & Serve!: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired—because cheese is life!
Now sit back and watch as plates are licked clean while you bask in food glory!
This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is not only easy to make but also offers satisfying flavors that bring everyone together around the table. fast noodle options Trust me; this dish will become a staple in your kitchen!
You Must Know
- The creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is a comforting dish that harmonizes flavors beautifully
- The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and cream creates a rich sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly
- This dish also impresses guests while being simple enough for weeknight dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden, then prepare the pasta while making the creamy sauce. This sequence saves time and enhances flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in spinach or kale for added greens, or try different cheeses like Parmesan for extra flavor. Experimenting makes it your own.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid separating the sauce.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking pasta, add salt to boiling water for enhanced flavor
- For a creamier sauce, slowly incorporate cheese while stirring continuously
- Always taste as you go; personal adjustments make all the difference!
There’s nothing quite like serving this dish on a chilly evening, when friends gather around the table and warmth fills the air. I still remember my friend Sarah’s reaction when she first tried this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta—her eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.
FAQ
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes for a different twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free alternative.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Add more cheese or simmer it longer to achieve your desired thickness.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta. This one-pan wonder is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it the ideal choice for both casual weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Ready in just under 30 minutes, this recipe will impress your family and friends while satisfying your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides (about 6-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, scraping up any bits from the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Fold in spinach until wilted, then return cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
