There’s something magical about a dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes. Imagine twirling your fork around the pasta, each bite bursting with flavor and a hint of nostalgia. Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to cozy family dinners and lazy Sundays. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips for pasta recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use other meats in this creamy chicken pasta recipe?
- How do I make the sauce thicker?
- Is there a vegetarian option available?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. The aroma wafting from the kitchen instantly brings back memories of my mother stirring up her famous pasta dishes, making everyone feel at home. It’s perfect for gatherings or an intimate dinner, promising a delightful explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish offers an easy preparation method that doesn’t compromise on flavor
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing and perfect for any occasion
- The creamy sauce envelops the pasta beautifully, creating a comforting dish that’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special celebrations
My friends couldn’t stop raving about this dish the last time I made it during our weekly dinner night.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts, adjusting based on your group size.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for added richness and flavor.
Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): Choose your favorite pasta type; both work wonders in soaking up the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Full-fat cream adds the ultimate creaminess; low-fat versions might not provide the same result.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the flavors; avoid pre-minced garlic if possible.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it that authentic taste.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrition; use baby spinach for a milder taste.
Olive Oil: A splash of extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall flavor profile; don’t skimp on quality.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic. Set everything within arm’s reach to streamline your cooking experience.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add Garlic and Sun-dried Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, allowing those glorious aromas to fill your kitchen.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring gently. Bring to a simmer and watch as it thickens slightly—this is where the magic happens!
Toss in Pasta and Spinach: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet along with fresh spinach. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through; let that creamy goodness envelop every piece of pasta.
Finish with Parmesan: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top. Stir until melted and gooey—this is when you know you’re ready to serve!
Now all that’s left is to dig in! Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes while basking in culinary glory. Each bite should send you spiraling into foodie heaven!
You Must Know
- Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes offers a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion
- The combination of creamy sauce and savory sun-dried tomatoes brings delightful flavors
- It’s an easy recipe that can impress both friends and family with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken for golden perfection, then cook the pasta while whisking up the creamy sauce. This sequence ensures everything finishes at the same time, creating a harmonious dish.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping chicken for shrimp or adding spinach for extra nutrition. You can also play around with different cheeses or herbs to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream to keep it creamy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always season your pasta water well; it enhances overall flavor
- Use fresh ingredients wherever possible for maximum taste
- Don’t forget to let your sauce simmer; it deepens flavors and creates that luscious creaminess you desire
Creating this dish reminds me of a dinner party where everyone raved about how delicious it was, leaving no leftovers! It felt great to share something I love so much.
FAQ
Can I use other meats in this creamy chicken pasta recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp or turkey would work beautifully in this dish as well.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, simply let it simmer longer or add more cream as needed.
Is there a vegetarian option available?
Yes! Swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, rich cream, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creating a comforting and flavorful experience. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe promises to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream while stirring gently; bring to a simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and fresh spinach; mix thoroughly until heated through.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and stir until melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg