Let me take you on a culinary journey that begins with the tantalizing aroma of creamy chicken pasta wafting through your home. Imagine twirling your fork around a plate of velvety noodles enveloped in a luscious sauce, punctuated by the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a hug on a plate, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. For more inspiration, check out this more main dish recipes.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use different types of pasta?
- What’s the best way to store leftovers?
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, picture a family gathering where this creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes steals the spotlight. Everyone’s asking for seconds while you bask in the glory of their delighted reactions. Whether it’s a rainy day comfort food or a fancy dinner party showstopper, this recipe is all about creating memorable moments—and deliciousness, of course. For more inspiration, check out this dinner ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can whip it up on busy weeknights without breaking a sweat
- Enjoy rich flavors from simple ingredients that make your taste buds dance
- Its visual appeal will have everyone asking for the recipe before they even take a bite
- Plus, this dish is versatile enough to be served at any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings
I once made this dish for my best friend’s birthday dinner and watched her face light up in pure joy when she took the first bite.
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, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne works best here; choose your favorite for an ideal texture.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed varieties; they add richness and depth to the dish.
- Heavy Cream: This is essential for that luxurious creaminess—don’t skimp on quality!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring fantastic flavor; avoid pre-minced options if possible.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-grated versions.
- Fresh Spinach: This adds color and nutrition; feel free to substitute with kale if preferred.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it brings richness without overpowering other flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste as you cook.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and let it warm up. Toss in your chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Once the chicken is cooked through, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until fragrant—about 1 minute will do!
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Let it simmer gently until it thickens slightly, which should take around 3-5 minutes.
Toss in Pasta and Spinach: Add your cooked pasta along with fresh spinach into the skillet. Gently stir everything together until well coated in sauce and spinach wilts down.
Add Cheese and Season: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture while stirring until melted. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance those delicious flavors.
Now sit back, serve yourself a generous helping of creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, and watch as smiles blossom around your dinner table!
You Must Know
- This creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures
- The vibrant colors and enticing aroma make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in the juices, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This ensures everything is perfectly timed and deliciously combined.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or add spinach for an extra veggie boost. Customize it based on your pantry treasures!
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 to keep it luscious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your creamy chicken pasta, use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for brightness
- Be cautious not to overcook the chicken; juicy is key!
- Lastly, don’t skimp on the cheese – it makes everything better!
Cooking this dish always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter mingled with the aroma of garlic and cream wafting through the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape works well; choose your favorite for a personal touch.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, luscious cream sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. This delightful meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chicken until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously; let simmer for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and fresh spinach, stirring until well combined and spinach wilts.
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted; season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg