Craving a comforting and flavorful pasta dish? This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is the perfect solution. Combining tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy sauce infused with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With the addition of baby spinach and fresh basil, it’s a well-rounded meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Follow these steps to create a restaurant-quality pasta dish right at home.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup diced shallots
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/3 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
- 8 ounces uncooked fusilli or penne pasta
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups packed baby spinach
- 2 ounces low-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Shallots and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the diced shallots and grated garlic.
- Sauté until the shallots are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta:
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and uncooked pasta.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Cream Cheese:
- Stir in the baby spinach until it wilts.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until it is melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Pour in the whole milk and add the shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Garnish with the chopped fresh basil.
- Serve:
- Serve the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta hot, and enjoy this delicious and comforting meal.
Conclusion
This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce. With the addition of fresh spinach and basil, it’s a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and creamy texture of this delightful recipe!