Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta π
If you’re looking for a comforting yet vibrant dish to add to your dinner rotation, this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is just what you need. This recipe combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce, all in one pot for easy cleanup. With its hearty flavors and rich textures, this pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil π«
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces π
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder π§
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning πΏ
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) πΆοΈ
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste π§
- 1/2 cup diced shallots π§
- 2 cloves garlic, grated π§
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped π
- 8 ounces uncooked fusilli or penne pasta π
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth π₯£
- 2 cups packed baby spinach π₯¬
- 2 ounces low-fat cream cheese, room temperature π§
- 1 cup whole milk π₯
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese π§
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil πΏ
Instructions:
1οΈβ£ SautΓ© the Chicken:
- Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and spread them into a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- SautΓ© the chicken for about 6-8 minutes or until it’s fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. π
2οΈβ£ SautΓ© the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Toss in the diced shallots, grated garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- SautΓ© for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shallots are translucent and the mixture is fragrant. π π§ π§
3οΈβ£ Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add extra flavor. π₯£
- Bring the broth to a boil.
4οΈβ£ Cook the Pasta:
- Add the uncooked pasta to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Remember to stir often to prevent sticking. π
5οΈβ£ Add the Spinach:
- During the last minute of cooking, add the baby spinach to the pot and stir until it’s wilted. π₯¬
6οΈβ£ Incorporate the Creamy Elements:
- Stir in the room-temperature cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese until both are melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. π§
7οΈβ£ Finish the Dish:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the milk. Stir everything together until the sauce thickens slightly and the dish is heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to taste. π₯π
8οΈβ£ Serve:
- Remove the pot from heat and top the pasta with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving. πΏπ§
Quick Facts:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a delightful meal that balances savory, creamy, and fresh flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, itβs a dish that everyone will love. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal. Enjoy! π
PrintSun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta π
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil π«
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces π
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder π§
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning πΏ
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) πΆοΈ
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste π§
1/2 cup diced shallots π§
2 cloves garlic, grated π§
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped π
8 ounces uncooked fusilli or penne pasta π
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth π₯£
2 cups packed baby spinach π₯¬
2 ounces low-fat cream cheese, room temperature π§
1 cup whole milk π₯
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese π§
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil πΏ
Instructions
1οΈβ£ Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large deep skillet or pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Spread it into a single layer and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. SautΓ© the chicken for 6-8 minutes or until itβs cooked through. Remove the chicken onto a plate. π
2οΈβ£ If needed, add additional oil to the pot. Add the shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. SautΓ© for 2 minutes until fragrant. π π§ π§
3οΈβ£ Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring it to a boil. π₯£
4οΈβ£ Pour in the pasta and lower the heat to medium. Cook the pasta until itβs al dente, about 15-20 minutes, stirring often. π
5οΈβ£ During the last minute of cooking, add in the spinach and stir until itβs wilted. π₯¬
6οΈβ£ Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan until theyβre melted and fully incorporated. π§
7οΈβ£ Add the chicken back into the pot along with the milk. Stir everything until the sauce thickens and itβs heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. π₯π
8οΈβ£ Remove the pasta from the heat and top it with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. πΏπ§
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes