Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta
This rich and flavorful dish combines tender chicken with al dente pasta in a creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz penne pasta Short pasta shape perfect for the creamy sauce.
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins (sliced) Tender, juicy chicken that cooks quickly.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Essential for sautéing.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) Adds aromatic flavor.
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) Adds depth and chewiness.
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika Adds smokiness and color.
- 1 cup half and half Creates a rich sauce.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) Provides creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon dried basil Complementary herb.
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adds a dash of heat.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and paprika. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes to soften.
- Pour in the half and half, stirring well to combine. Allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked chicken and penne pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Stir in the dried basil and red pepper flakes, adjusting the seasoning with salt if needed.
Serving
- Plate your Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta. You can garnish it with additional basil or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra touch.
Notes
Pasta can be kept al dente, and a reserved pasta water can help adjust the sauce's thickness. Optionally, you can modify the recipe by adding vegetables or using different proteins.