Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce, all in one pot. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers both convenience and deliciousness. With tender chicken and vibrant spinach mixed with pasta, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: You can cook everything in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful: The combination of sun dried tomatoes and creamy sauce creates a deliciously rich flavor.
- Quick & Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to all ages and is sure to please picky eaters.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large deep skillet or pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large deep skillet or pot: Essential for cooking everything in one place without spills.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps in stirring ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient quantities for perfect results.
Ingredients
This Italian inspired one pot creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta is made with seasoned chicken, spinach, and a creamy garlic sun dried tomato pasta sauce.
Proteins & Dairy
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, (cut into bite size pieces)
- 2 ounces low fat cream cheese, (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced shallots
- 2 cloves garlic, (grated)
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, (drained and chopped)
- 2 cups packed baby spinach
- 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
Pasta & Broth
- 8 ounces uncooked fusilli or penne pasta
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large deep skillet or pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Sauté the chicken for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken onto a plate when done.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
If needed, add more oil to the pot. Add the shallots, sun dried tomatoes, and grated garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the low sodium chicken broth while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring it to a boil.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Pour in the uncooked pasta and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until it’s al dente, around 15-20 minutes. Stir often during cooking. In the last minute, add in the baby spinach and stir until wilted.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and fully combined into the pasta. Return the cooked chicken back into the pot along with whole milk. Mix everything together until heated through and thickened, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Taste for seasoning adjustments before serving.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta topped with fresh basil!
How to Serve Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Serving Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta can be a delightful experience. This comforting dish pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and presentation.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil over the top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and complements the creamy sauce.
With Grated Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: A light dusting enhances flavor; serve extra on the side for cheese lovers.
- Crumbled Feta: For a tangy twist, sprinkle feta cheese over the pasta.
Accompanied by Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Crusty Baguette: Perfect for dipping into the delicious sauce.
With a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic option that adds crunch and freshness to your meal.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil complement the pasta beautifully.
How to Perfect Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
To achieve the perfect Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and high-quality sun dried tomatoes for better flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta maintains some bite for an ideal texture in every bite.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your dish before serving; add more salt or pepper as needed for balance.
- Add Protein Variations: Try using shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Pair your Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta with these delicious side dishes to create a well-rounded meal.
- Garlic Bread: A crunchy and buttery side that perfectly complements this creamy pasta dish.
- Mixed Green Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad balances out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection add color and nutrients to your plate.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious; a great way to add greens to your meal.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil offers a refreshing appetizer.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives rounds out the meal beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can impact the final dish. Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure your pasta turns out delicious.
- Not seasoning adequately: Failing to season the chicken and pasta properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste as you go and adjust seasoning to enhance the dish.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long can result in a mushy texture. Aim for al dente, which means firm to the bite, for the best results.
- Skipping the scraping step: If you don’t scrape up the brown bits from the skillet, you’ll miss out on rich flavors. Make sure to deglaze with chicken broth for a depth of taste.
- Adding spinach too early: If you add spinach too soon, it may overcook. Stir it in just before finishing, so it wilts perfectly without losing its vibrant color.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold cream cheese or milk can cause clumping. Let them come to room temperature for a smooth sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta that may help clarify your cooking experience.
What is creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta?
Creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta is a flavorful one-pot dish featuring seasoned chicken and pasta coated in a rich creamy garlic sauce made with sun dried tomatoes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Is there a vegetarian version of creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta?
Absolutely! You can replace chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian option.
What type of pasta works best?
Fusilli and penne are great choices due to their shape, which helps hold onto the creamy sauce. However, feel free to use any pasta you prefer!
Final Thoughts
Creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta is not only a comforting meal but also highly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or swapping out proteins. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, so give it a try!
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a delightful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a luscious creamy garlic sauce infused with sun dried tomatoes. This dish is not only quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, but it also offers rich flavors that are sure to impress at any dinner table. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this comforting pasta dish that appeals to the entire family. Plus, it’s easily customizable—add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it uniquely yours!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 ounces low-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces uncooked fusilli or penne pasta
- 2 cups packed baby spinach
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Low sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook for 6-8 minutes until done; remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté shallots and sun dried tomatoes for about 2 minutes. Deglaze with chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in uncooked pasta; reduce heat to medium and cook for 15-20 minutes until al dente. Add spinach in the last minute.
- Mix in cream cheese and Parmesan until melted. Return chicken to skillet along with whole milk. Stir until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 325g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
