Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience! This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it's a creamy, flavor-packed adventure that combines the rich, tangy essence of sun-dried tomatoes with tender chicken and a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds – and asking for the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken breast slices generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously and let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add drained pasta. Gently toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as required.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always salt your pasta water generously and cook until al dente. The reserved pasta water is a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Chicken Cooking Hack: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear. Use medium-high heat for the perfect color and juicy interior.
- Garlic Warning: Watch your garlic carefully when sautéing – it can burn quickly and turn bitter. 30-45 seconds is all you need for that perfect fragrant base.
- Cream Sauce Secret: Add Parmesan cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping and create a smooth, silky sauce.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil for garnishing – it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This pasta reheats well. Store in an airtight container and gently reheat with a splash of cream to restore the sauce's creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 130mg
