Sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of intense, savory flavor to this creamy chicken pasta dish. It's a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. This recipe elevates simple pasta into a restaurant-quality experience, leaving you and your guests wanting more. Let's dive into the delicious details!
What Makes This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Special?
This recipe isn't your average pasta dish. We're focusing on building layers of flavor to create a truly memorable experience. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a deep, umami richness, perfectly complemented by the creamy sauce and tender chicken. We'll be using a combination of techniques to ensure every bite is packed with flavor:
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: We'll pan-sear the chicken to develop a beautiful crust before finishing it in the creamy sauce. This ensures juicy, flavorful chicken that's not dry or overcooked.
- Creamy Sauce with Depth: Our sauce isn't just cream; it's a harmonious blend of cream, sun-dried tomatoes (both oil-packed and rehydrated), Parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic for a truly decadent experience.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Using good quality sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese makes all the difference. The better the ingredients, the better the taste!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, rehydrated in hot water for 15 minutes, then chopped (this adds extra depth of flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Build the Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes (both oil-packed and rehydrated), heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with many pasta shapes, including linguine, fettuccine, penne, rotini, or even farfalle. Choose your favorite!
What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil?
You can use sun-dried tomatoes packed in water, but the flavor will be slightly different. You can also add a teaspoon of olive oil to the sauce to compensate for the lack of oil from the tomatoes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While the pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce gently before adding the cooked pasta.
How do I rehydrate sun-dried tomatoes?
Simply cover the sun-dried tomatoes with hot water and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes, or until softened.
Tips for the Perfect Dish:
- Don't overcook the chicken! Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Salt and pepper are your friends!
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta with chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
