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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh basil for garnish To create a creamy chicken sun-dried tomato pasta, you need a few key ingredients. Start with fresh chicken breasts for protein. Choose pasta like fettuccine or penne for the best texture. The heavy cream gives the dish its rich, creamy base. Next, add flavor with sun-dried tomatoes. They bring a sweet and tangy taste. Garlic enhances the aroma and depth of flavor. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish. For seasonings, use olive oil to cook the chicken. Italian seasoning brings warmth and a hint of spice. Fresh basil adds brightness and color to the final dish. Gather these ingredients to make a delightful meal that impresses everyone. This creamy pasta dish is simple yet full of flavor. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boiling Preparation: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. Use fettuccine or penne for this dish. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. - Draining and Reserving Pasta Water: After your pasta cooks, drain it in a colander. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help your sauce later. - Seasoning Techniques: While your pasta cooks, get a large skillet. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Take the chicken breasts and season them well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will add great flavor. - Cooking Time and Technique: Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Cook it for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Make sure it is cooked through. Once done, take it out and let it rest before slicing. - Sautéing Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not burned. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute. - Incorporating Cream and Cheese: Now, pour in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Watch it melt into the sauce, making it creamy. If you find the sauce too thick, add some reserved pasta water to adjust. - Tossing Pasta and Spinach: Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach to the sauce. Toss everything together. Let the spinach wilt down. - Final Preparations: Now, slice the rested chicken. Arrange it over the creamy pasta. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your meal! Adjusting Thickness If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. Start with a tablespoon, then stir. This helps create a smooth texture. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer. This will reduce the liquid and thicken your sauce. Achieving Creaminess Use heavy cream for that rich taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese slowly. This helps it melt evenly. You can also add a splash of chicken broth for extra depth. Just keep stirring until it’s all mixed well. Ensuring Juiciness Always let the chicken rest after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. This timing gives you perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out. Proper Slicing Techniques Slice the chicken against the grain. This makes it more tender and easier to chew. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Arrange the slices nicely on top of your pasta for a beautiful look. Serving Style Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. This gives it an elegant feel. Place the sliced chicken on top. The contrast of colors makes it more appetizing. Garnishing Ideas Add fresh basil on top as a garnish. This adds a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch. These small details enhance the overall look and taste. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or a non-dairy alternative. Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating and to keep the chicken tender. {{image_2}} Substituting Chicken You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try using turkey or even pork. Each offers a unique taste. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. Adding Shrimp or Tofu Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Sauté shrimp for just a few minutes. For a vegetarian option, tofu works well too. Use firm tofu and sauté it until golden. Using Vegetable Broth If you want a meat-free dish, replace chicken with vegetable broth. It adds flavor without any meat. This makes the dish light yet tasty. Omitting Chicken You can simply leave out the chicken. The creamy sauce and pasta still shine. Add more sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor. Gluten-Free or Whole Wheat Options If you need gluten-free pasta, many brands offer great choices. Whole wheat pasta is a healthy alternative too. It gives a nutty flavor and more fiber. Alternative Pasta Shapes Fettuccine is great, but you can use penne or rotini. These shapes hold sauce well, making every bite flavorful. Choose what you like best! To store your Creamy Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, use airtight containers. This keeps the pasta fresh. Make sure the pasta cools down before sealing. In the fridge, your pasta will last about 3 to 4 days. If you want it to taste great later, eat it within this time frame. To freeze the pasta, let it cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat it, thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to avoid dryness. You can get creative with leftovers! Mix the pasta into a salad for a new dish. Add some extra veggies or protein like chicken or shrimp. You can also use it in a casserole. Just layer it with cheese and bake until warm and bubbly. This way, you enjoy your meal in a fun, new way! To make your pasta creamier, focus on a few key techniques: - Use heavy cream for a rich base. - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, which melts well. - If the sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water gradually. These steps help you achieve a velvety texture. You can also blend the sauce ingredients for an even smoother mix. Yes, you can use fresh sun-dried tomatoes! They add a different flavor and texture. Fresh tomatoes are juicier and less concentrated. If you want to substitute, use about twice the amount of fresh tomatoes. Just be sure to sauté them a bit longer to soften. If you need alternatives to heavy cream, consider these options: - Whole milk: It’s lighter but still creamy. - Cream cheese: Mix it with some milk for a good substitute. - Greek yogurt: This adds creaminess and tang. Each option changes the flavor a bit, so choose based on your taste. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! Here are some tips: - Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge. - Reheat on low heat to keep the creaminess. - You can freeze portions too! Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This dish holds up well and stays tasty! This blog post provided a detailed guide on making a delicious pasta dish with chicken. We explored the main ingredients, flavor enhancers, and seasonings, showing you how to create great taste. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking the pasta, searing the chicken, and preparing the sauce. You got tips for perfecting the dish and ideas for variations and storage. Remember, you can adjust the recipe to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make this meal your own!

Creamy Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring creamy sauce, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup spinach, fresh
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
  • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach to the sauce, tossing to combine and letting the spinach wilt down.
  • Slice the rested chicken and arrange it over the creamy pasta. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and basil leaves.
Keyword chicken, creamy, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes