Cozy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
When the winds start to chill and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy pasta to wrap you in comfort. This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta has a delightful glossy appearance, with tender chicken bathed in a rich, velvety sauce that feels like a hug in a bowl. I remember the first time I made this dish for a casual dinner with friends, and the table was filled with laughter, smiles, and satisfied sighs as everyone savored each delightful bite. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that promises warmth and flavor, then keep reading! This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfectly suited for busy weeknights, this recipe doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, making it an ideal easy weeknight dinner.
- Creamy Comfort: The heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor and creaminess, ideal for cozy family dinners.
- Family-Friendly: It’s not just delicious—this dish is a hit with adults and kids alike, making dinnertime a joyous affair.
- Elevates Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers, they taste just as good the next day, making mealtime prep a breeze.
- Customizable: Easy to tailor with additional ingredients, this recipe has room for your culinary creativity!
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta:
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Savory Pasta Recipe | Side Dishes Pasta, Eating Well Dinner Recipes, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Let’s make it together! Follow these cozy steps for a truly comforting dish:
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, allowing those wonderful aromas to fill your kitchen.
Add Creaminess: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and dried basil, stirring until well combined.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add Vegetables: Mix in some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes to brighten up the dish and add a vibrant color.
- Zesty Kick: For a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving, giving it a delightful spicy twist.
- Herbaceous Flair: Swap out the dried basil for fresh basil or even oregano for a more vibrant flavor.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta for an indulgent touch.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can pre-cook the chicken and sauce, refrigerating them separately until you’re ready to combine them with the pasta.
- Ingredient Swaps: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute grilled shrimp for the chicken.
- Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat to preserve creaminess.
Nutrition Information Per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: Approximately 600
- Carbs: 55g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prep the sauce and chicken in advance for quicker assembly later.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or use whole-grain pasta for a healthier option.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
Properly stored, this dish can last for about 3 days in the refrigerator.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that wraps you in warmth, combining the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with the creaminess of the sauce. It’s a delightful meal perfect for any day, but especially on those lingering autumn evenings when you just want something comforting. Save this Savory Pasta Recipe | Side Dishes Pasta, Eating Well Dinner Recipes, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta to your favorites board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy and happy cooking!
Cozy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm bowl of creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta, bursting with flavor, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Creaminess: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and dried basil.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
This dish is a hit with both adults and kids. Leftovers taste just as good the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
