Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken pieces, al dente pasta, and a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, making it an irresistible meal for any occasion. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound of chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, diced into small chunks
- 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 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and well-drained
- 8 ounces of dry fusilli or penne pasta
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups packed baby spinach
- 2 ounces low-fat cream cheese, at 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 black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the diced shallots and grated garlic. Sauté until the shallots are translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the shallots and garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the baby spinach and cook until it softens.
- Add the cream cheese and whole milk, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce. Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, stirring to combine.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with loved ones. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this pasta dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the hearty and delicious taste of this creamy pasta creation!