Amazing Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: A Flavor Explosion

Okay, amigos! Let’s get real for a second. I’ve made a LOT of pasta dishes in my day, but this sun dried tomato chicken pasta? This is NEXT LEVEL. Seriously, it’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite. I first tasted a version of this at a little trattoria in Rome, and I knew I had to recreate the magic with my own Cuba Queen twist.

The biggest hurdle was balancing the intense sweetness of the sun dried tomatoes with a creamy, savory sauce that didn’t feel heavy. After countless attempts (and a few pasta fails that shall remain nameless!), I finally nailed it. This easy sun dried tomato chicken pasta is not just a meal, it’s an experience – a flavor explosion that’ll transport you straight to a sun-drenched Italian courtyard. Get ready, flavor adventurers, because this is gonna be epic!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

This sun dried tomato chicken pasta ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! You’ll find the best ingredients for this dish at your local Italian market. Splurge on the Parmesan cheese; it’s an ingredient worth the investment!

• 1 pound pasta: Penne, rotini, or farfalle work perfectly. I prefer penne because the ridges grab onto that glorious sun dried tomato cream sauce pasta.
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, oil-packed: Drained, but RESERVE the oil! It’s liquid gold, trust me. The secret to epic sun dried tomato chicken pasta is using oil-packed sun dried tomatoes; they have a deeper, richer flavor than the dry-packed ones.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion will do.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp on the garlic!
• 1 cup heavy cream: Full fat is the way to go here for the creamiest sun dried tomato chicken pasta of your life.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always better.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Adds a burst of freshness.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color, flavor, and nutrients.
• 2 tablespoons sun dried tomato oil, reserved from the jar:
• 1 teaspoon salt: Or more, to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best.
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Don’t overcook it! You want it al dente, with a slight bite. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Pro tip for sun dried tomato chicken pasta perfection: the starchy pasta water will help thicken the sauce and make it extra creamy.
2. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! Flavor is key here.
3. Heat the sun dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. This is where your sun dried tomato chicken pasta transforms into pure magic.
5. Add the sun dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Your sun dried tomato chicken pasta should look/smell/feel like a creamy, dreamy flavor explosion!
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, basil, and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes. The Parmesan adds a nutty saltiness that balances the sweetness of the sun dried tomatoes.
7. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in that glorious sun dried tomato cream sauce pasta. Add a little pasta water if needed to thin the sauce. Don’t stress – your creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta is going to be incredible!
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. More salt? More pepper? A little more red pepper flakes? Go wild!
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and basil, if desired. Here’s where most people mess up their sun dried tomato chicken pasta – they don’t serve it right away! Get it on the table while it’s hot and creamy.

In my kitchen, this easy sun dried tomato chicken pasta takes exactly 30 minutes from start to finish. While your sun dried tomato chicken pasta is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!

PRESENTATION:

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this sun dried tomato chicken pasta at dinner parties! The vibrant colors and rich aroma are irresistible. This simple sun dried tomato chicken pasta absolutely slays at dinner parties!

• Serve this sun dried tomato chicken pasta in a large bowl, family-style, or portion it out into individual bowls.
• Garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. A drizzle of olive oil adds a touch of elegance.
• For a pop of color, add a few extra sun dried tomatoes on top.
• Pair this sun dried tomato chicken pasta with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
• This is the perfect dish for a casual weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend gathering. It’s also great for meal prepping!

For a seasonal twist, try adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers in the summer. In the fall, butternut squash or mushrooms would be amazing. Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is also great to serve for another dinner party, your friends will rave! If you are looking for more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out One Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Chicken for a similar but simplified version.

Leftover sun dried tomato chicken pasta is fantastic reheated, or even cold in a pasta salad.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this sun dried tomato chicken pasta spicier?

A: Absolutely, amiga! Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken. A drizzle of hot sauce on top is also a great option!

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?

A: You can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as creamy. For the richest flavor, stick with heavy cream if possible.

Q: What kind of pasta is best for sun dried tomato chicken pasta?

A: Penne, rotini, and farfalle are all great choices. Look for pasta with ridges or shapes that will grab onto the sauce.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun dried tomatoes?

A: You can, but the flavor won’t be the same. Sun dried tomatoes have a concentrated sweetness and tang that’s essential to this recipe.

Q: How do I know when my chicken is perfectly done?

A: Use a meat thermometer! Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I make this sun dried tomato chicken pasta vegetarian?

A: Of course! Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You could also add some cannellini beans for protein.

Q: Can I make this sun dried tomato chicken pasta gluten-free?

A: Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta. There are many great gluten-free pasta options available these days.

The community feedback for this sun dried tomato chicken pasta has been amazing! People rave about the creamy sauce and the bold flavors.

CONCLUSION:

This sun dried tomato chicken pasta recipe is more than just a dish – it’s a celebration of bold flavors and simple ingredients. It represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: creating unforgettable culinary experiences that are both accessible and exciting.

Here are my sun dried tomato chicken pasta Power Tips:

• Don’t skimp on the sun dried tomatoes! They’re the star of the show.
• Reserve the pasta water! It’s liquid gold for thickening the sauce.
• Taste and adjust seasonings! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

I’ve also created a few variations of this recipe that I absolutely love:

• Spicy sun dried tomato chicken pasta: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta with spinach and artichokes: Add a can of artichoke hearts, drained and quartered, along with the spinach.
• Sun dried tomato chicken pasta with pesto: Stir in a spoonful or two of pesto at the end for a burst of fresh flavor.

The creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta with spinach and artichokes always gets the biggest reactions! I have absolute confidence that you can make this sun dried tomato chicken pasta your signature dish. So grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create some delicious memories!

Now go forth and create your own epic sun dried tomato chicken pasta masterpiece! Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see what you come up with! You’ll love my Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe, this recipe is just as packed with flavor!

If you enjoyed this, you have NEED to try: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!

Don’t forget to check out another recipe just as bold: Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese. For more bold flavor adventures, check out Creamy Chicken with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Spinach!

 
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sun dried tomato chicken pasta

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This Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s both rich and satisfying.

• Author: Quinn
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound pasta (such as penne or rotini)
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
7. Stir in fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately.

Notes

Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for serving. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.