This sun-dried tomato chicken pasta recipe is a delightful fusion of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and tender chicken, tossed together with pasta and a creamy sauce. It's a simple yet delicious dish that's versatile enough for a weekday dinner or a special occasion.
The one ingredient you might not have readily available at home is sun-dried tomatoes. These are tomatoes that have been dehydrated, either in the oven or under the sun, which results in a concentrated tomato flavor. They can be purchased in most supermarkets, either in a dry form or preserved in oil.
Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Spaghetti: The base of our recipe, spaghetti provides a fulfilling body to the dish and soaks up the flavorful sauce.
Olive oil: Used for sauteing the chicken and garlic, it adds a subtle flavor.
Chicken breasts: These are the protein of the dish, they are lean and cook quickly.
Kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper: Used for seasoning the chicken and the sauce.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant aroma and a punch of flavor to the dish.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These impart a robust, concentrated tomato flavor that is the star of this pasta dish.
Heavy cream: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce.
Parmesan: A hard Italian cheese that adds a salty and tangy flavor.
Fresh basil: Gives a fresh and aromatic finish to the dish.
One reader, Kelli Mcclanahan says:
This sun-dried tomato chicken pasta recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and satisfying, and the dish is so easy to make. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and tender chicken is simply divine. It's become a family favorite in our household!
Essential Techniques for Making Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
How to cook pasta: Cook the pasta 1 minute shy of the instructions, then reserve 1 cup of the water and drain the rest. Do not rinse the pasta.
How to cook chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
How to make the sauce: Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan, stirring well for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, and parmesan cheese. Bring to a boil, letting it reduce for 3 to 4 minutes.
How to assemble the dish: Add the pasta to the sauce and toss it together. Place the cooked chicken on top and garnish with basil.
How To Make Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
The authentic flavors in this 20-minute sun-dried tomato chicken pasta recipe will definitely remind you of everything good about Italian food.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbspaghetti
- 3tbspolive oil
- 2chicken breasts,boneless skinless, butterflied
- 1tspkosher salt
- ½tspcoarse ground black pepper
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- ½cupsun-dried tomatoes
- ½cupheavy cream
- ½cupparmesan,freshly grated
- ½cupfresh basil,chopped
Instructions
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Cook pasta 1 minute shy of instructions, then reserve 1 cup of the water and drain the rest.
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Do not rinse pasta.
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Add olive oil to a large skillet on medium high heat.
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Season chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the skillet, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until cooked through, then remove them from the pan.
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Add the garlic and sun dried tomatoes to the pan, stirring well for 2 to 3 minutes.
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Add the heavy cream, reserved pasta water and parmesan cheese and bring to a boil, letting it reduce for 3 to 4 minutes before adding in the pasta and tossing it together.
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Add the chicken on top and garnish with basil.
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Garnish with more parmesan and basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 428.77kcal
- Fat: 17.97g
- Saturated Fat: 6.98g
- Trans Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.76g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.01g
- Carbohydrates: 45.44g
- Fiber: 2.31g
- Sugar: 3.29g
- Protein: 20.70g
- Cholesterol: 54.54mg
- Sodium: 315.28mg
- Calcium: 145.58mg
- Potassium: 368.43mg
- Iron: 1.56mg
- Vitamin A: 96.30µg
- Vitamin C: 2.03mg
Pro Tip for Perfectly Cooking the Chicken
When cooking the chicken, it's important to ensure that it's fully cooked through to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses. However, be careful not to overcook it as it can become tough and dry. One way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist chicken.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Pasta Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate meat the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot wonders: Choose recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities of certain ingredients, such as sauces or grains, and freeze them for future use in other recipes.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily find ingredients and cooking tools, saving time during meal preparation.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize time-saving tools like food processors, slow cookers, and instant pots to streamline the cooking process.
Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps, preventing any last-minute confusion.
Clean as you go: Wash dishes, utensils, and countertops while cooking to minimize the cleanup time after the meal is ready.
Stock up: Keep essential pantry items stocked, such as canned tomatoes, broth, and spices, to avoid last-minute trips to the store.
Substitute Ingredients For Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
spaghetti - Substitute with linguine: Linguine is a great substitute for spaghetti as it has a similar texture and shape, and it works well with creamy sauces.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breast in this recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of saltiness to the dish.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick similar to black pepper in the dish.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic in the recipe.
sun-dried tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers can offer a sweet and smoky flavor similar to sun-dried tomatoes in the dish.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, adding a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino: Pecorino cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan, providing a similar salty and nutty flavor to the pasta dish.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for basil, adding a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the pasta dish.
Best Ways to Present This Delicious Pasta Dish
Elevate the plating: When presenting the sun-dried tomato chicken pasta, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use a large, flat plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. Arrange the pasta neatly in the center, ensuring the chicken is placed on top with precision.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch of elegance to the dish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of flavor to the overall presentation.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Aim for symmetry and balance in the arrangement, ensuring that the dish looks harmonious and inviting from every angle.
Incorporate height and depth: Create visual interest by layering the pasta and chicken, allowing the dish to have a sense of depth. Consider using culinary techniques to add height to the presentation, such as stacking the chicken atop a small mound of pasta.
Focus on the details: Pay attention to the finer details, such as wiping the edges of the plate to ensure a clean presentation. Every aspect of the plating should reflect precision and care, showcasing the high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship behind the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Pasta pot: A large pot with a strainer insert, used specifically for cooking pasta.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for gripping and lifting food.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used to grate foods into fine pieces, such as cheese or vegetables.
- Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board used as a surface for cutting and preparing food.
- Measuring cup: A tool used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
- Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing and stirring ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used to drain liquids from food.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently.
- Food processor: An electric kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Grill pan: A pan with raised ridges, used for grilling indoors.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
Storing and Freezing Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Allow the sun-dried tomato chicken pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the pasta, it's best to freeze the sauce separately from the cooked pasta. Place the sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label and date the container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To freeze the cooked pasta, toss it with a little bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, then place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing, label and date the container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen pasta, thaw both the sauce and pasta in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Reheat the pasta by placing it in a colander and running hot water over it until it's warm and pliable. Alternatively, you can microwave the pasta in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Toss the warm pasta with the heated sauce, and garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese before serving. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of reserved pasta water or heavy cream.
How To Reheat Leftover Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover sun-dried tomato chicken pasta to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
For a quicker option, reheat individual portions of the pasta in the microwave. Place a single serving of the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of water or chicken broth to help maintain moisture. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape). Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through and the chicken is steaming hot.
If you have a bit more time, reheat the sun-dried tomato chicken pasta on the stovetop. Transfer the pasta to a large skillet or saucepan and add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce. Heat the pasta over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it is heated through and the chicken is steaming hot. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more liquid as needed.
For a crispy texture, reheat the pasta in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan and toss the pasta to coat. Stir-fry the pasta for 3-5 minutes, or until it is heated through and the edges of the pasta and chicken are slightly crispy. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it may become dry or rubbery.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to store any leftover sun-dried tomato chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored properly, the pasta should remain safe to eat for up to 3-4 days. Always reheat the pasta until it is steaming hot throughout to ensure food safety.
Interesting Facts About Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are a great source of antioxidants, including lycopene, which has been linked to potential health benefits such as reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Is Making Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this sun-dried tomato chicken pasta recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. Chicken and pasta are generally affordable, while sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese can be pricier. However, the dish yields a generous portion and can feed a family of four at an approximate cost of $15-20. The rich flavors and satisfying elements make it a worthwhile investment, earning a solid 8/10 rating for its taste, simplicity, and value.
Is Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Healthy or Unhealthy?
This sun-dried tomato chicken pasta recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- Heavy cream and parmesan cheese add significant amounts of saturated fat and calories to the dish
- The recipe lacks vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal
- Depending on the type of sun-dried tomatoes used, they may contain added oil and salt
However, the recipe does include some healthy elements, such as:
- Chicken breast, which is a lean protein source
- Olive oil, which is a healthier fat compared to butter or other oils
- Garlic and basil, which offer some nutritional benefits and flavor without adding many calories
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese or use a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as:
- Sautéed spinach or kale
- Roasted bell peppers
- Sliced zucchini or summer squash
- Choose sun-dried tomatoes without added oil, or drain and rinse oil-packed tomatoes to reduce excess fat
- Use whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber content of the meal
- Adjust the salt content based on personal preference and dietary needs
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious meal that still captures the delicious flavors of the original recipe.
Editor's Opinion on Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
This sun-dried tomato chicken pasta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy sweetness, while the creamy sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying and comforting dish. The use of reserved pasta water helps to create a silky and cohesive sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti. The addition of fresh basil at the end adds a pop of freshness and color. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful balance of savory and bright flavors, making it a perfect choice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Enhance Your Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Why trust this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The succulent chicken breasts are seared to perfection, while the sun-dried tomatoes infuse the dish with a rich, tangy sweetness. The creamy sauce, enriched with heavy cream and parmesan, coats the al dente spaghetti beautifully. The aromatic garlic and fresh basil add depth and freshness. Trust in the quality of these ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe to create a memorable meal that will surely impress your taste buds.
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