Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a creamy, flavorful pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Enter Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta, a vibrant dish that harmoniously combines the richness of sundried tomatoes with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious cream sauce. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation!
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that ticks all the boxes: it’s delicious, nutritious, and can be on your table in about 30 minutes. With its savory flavors and creamy texture, it appeals to both adults and kids alike. The sundried tomatoes add a burst of umami, while the spinach brings a fresh note to the dish. Plus, the use of simple ingredients means you can whip this up without a trip to the grocery store, making it an ideal choice for busy nights.
What We’re Using
- 7 oz. sundried tomatoes in oil: These are the star of the dish, providing intense flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 pound chicken: You can use cubed chicken breasts or boneless, skinless thighs for this recipe.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that adds depth and authenticity to the dish.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavors.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and color.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes: For a little kick, adjust according to your spice preference.
- 1 tsp ground black pepper: For seasoning the chicken and sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This cheese adds a creamy and nutty flavor.
- 2 tbsp butter: For sautéing and adding richness.
- 1 cup onion, diced: Sweet and aromatic, it forms the base of our sauce.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic: For that aromatic, savory flavor.
- 2 cups water: To help with cooking the pasta.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: This creates the creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- 8 oz. uncooked pasta: Any shape you love will work here, but fettuccine or penne are great options.
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves: Adds vibrancy and nutrients.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: For garnishing and additional flavor.
Cook’s Kit
- Large skillet: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Pasta pot: To boil the pasta until al dente.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cutting board and knife: To chop your veggies and chicken.
- Colander: To drain the pasta once cooked.
Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta — Do This Next
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and cube the chicken. Chop the sundried tomatoes if they’re not already in small pieces. This prep work will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the cubed chicken. Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Add the Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Add the sundried tomatoes to the skillet, followed by 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are well coated in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Toss in the Pasta and Spinach
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce and the spinach wilts nicely.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
- Chicken: Swap for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Fresh spinach: Use kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Pasta: Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Heavy cream: Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Notes on Ingredients
The quality of your sundried tomatoes can significantly impact the flavor of this dish. Look for tomatoes packed in oil for the best taste and texture. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, feel free to reduce the amount of cream and replace it with chicken broth or a plant-based alternative.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to bring back the creaminess.
Quick Questions
Can I use dried sundried tomatoes instead of those in oil?
Yes! Just be sure to soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes before using to soften them up.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any pasta shape works well, but fettuccine or penne will hold the sauce beautifully.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine them with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
See You at the Table
Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines comfort and elegance in every bite. With its rich flavors and creamy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner at home or entertaining friends, this pasta dish will impress everyone at the table. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to savor a plate of pure deliciousness!
Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients - Gather all your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and cube the chicken. Chop the sundried tomatoes if they're not already in small pieces.
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta - In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the Chicken - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the cubed chicken. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 4: Add the Aromatics - Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Step 5: Create the Sauce - Add the sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing to thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Toss in the Pasta and Spinach - Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Toss everything together gently.
- Step 7: Finish with Cheese - Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- For a lighter version, reduce cream and use chicken broth.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess.
