The aroma of garlic and herbs wafts through the air as you stir that creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes on your stovetop. Each twirl of the fork reveals tender chicken and vibrant tomatoes nestled in a rich sauce that practically begs you to dive right in.
You know those nights when you want something comforting but still fancy enough to impress? This dish is like wearing sweatpants while looking like you’ve just walked off a gourmet cooking show. Perfect for cozy dinners or unexpected guests!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy chicken pasta is quick to whip up on busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
- The combination of succulent chicken and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a visually stunning dish.
- Easily adaptable for different tastes, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
- Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder for minimal cleanup!
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were blown away by how quickly it came together. Their expressions were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts for a good serving size.
- Pasta of Choice: Fettuccine works wonderfully here, but feel free to use any pasta you have handy.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for packed in oil; they add a rich flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the creaminess comes from; don’t skimp on quality!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best; they bring out an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own for maximum flavor; it melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Spinach or Kale: Adding greens not only boosts nutrition but also adds color and texture.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds depth to your flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before starting; chop the garlic and slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces so everything is ready to go.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté your sliced chicken until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes.
Add Garlic and Spinach: Toss in minced garlic and spinach into the skillet; cook until fragrant and spinach wilts down. You’ll love how fresh it smells!
Create Your Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring; let it simmer gently before adding grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted into a luscious sauce.
Toss It All Together: Add cooked pasta and sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce; mix well until everything is coated evenly. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Now you can serve this culinary delight! Enjoy your flavorful creation while basking in compliments from family or friends who will undoubtedly ask for seconds (or thirds).
You Must Know
- This creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is a delightful dish that combines comfort and sophistication, perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in.
- The rich flavors and textures create a satisfying experience that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first for maximum flavor, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce to save time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes or add spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your chicken is golden brown before adding it to the sauce; this adds depth to the flavor.
- Always reserve some pasta water, which can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
- Don’t skip seasoning your pasta water; it’s key to enhancing overall flavor.
Sharing this dish always brings back fond memories of family gatherings, where laughter filled the air as we savored every creamy bite together.
FAQ
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes for a lighter option.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream or almond milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative for creaminess.
How long does this dish last in the fridge?
The creamy chicken pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to three days without losing quality.
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Indulge in this creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, a rich and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Prepare your ingredients: Chop garlic and slice chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- 2. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 3. Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
- 4. Add garlic and spinach: Stir in minced garlic and spinach; cook until fragrant and spinach wilts.
- 5. Create the sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring; let it simmer before adding grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- 6. Combine: Toss cooked pasta and sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce; mix well and season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- For added nutrition, consider swapping sun-dried tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed.
- This dish can easily be made dairy-free by substituting coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
