I recently tried this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta With Chicken And Mozzarella Recipe, and I couldn’t believe how quickly it became a hit in my home! The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the sweet-tangy notes from the sun-dried tomatoes made each bite utterly irresistible.
It’s hearty yet elegant, making it suitable for a family dinner or an intimate gathering. Plus, it’s one of those recipes where you can make minor tweaks and adapt it entirely to your taste. If you’re looking for a recipe that balances indulgence with ease, you need to try this one. Trust me, even if you’re not a kitchen pro, you’ll nail it like a seasoned chef.
Why This Recipe Will Win You Over?
While this dish speaks for itself, there are some specific reasons you’ll love it even before taking the first bite.
Quick and Simple to Make
Even if your schedule is busy, this pasta dish comes together in about 30 minutes. Between the straightforward ingredient list and the simple steps involved, you don’t need to be an experienced cook to make it shine!
Loaded with Customizable Flavors
This recipe combines creamy, tangy, and savory goodness. And, it’s easy to tweak! Not a fan of chicken? Use shrimp. Prefer a vegan option? Try a plant-based protein. Feeling adventurous? Add extra spices or fresh veggies.
Ideal for Different Diets
Dietary options abound! You can switch the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative, skip the cheese for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free pasta if needed. Everyone can enjoy it, tailored just for them.
Perfect for Family or Guests
Not only is this recipe satisfying and flavorful, but its presentation makes it look like you went the extra mile. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this one fits the bill.
Convenient with Pantry Staples
Most of the ingredients, such as pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried herbs, are likely already in your pantry. You only need a couple of fresh items to complete the magic.
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sun-dried tomato pasta won’t take much of your day. Here’s the breakdown of the time you’ll spend:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients List
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this dish a reality:
- Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Get Creative with These Variations
If you love experimenting or making ingredient substitutions, here are some ideas to personalize your pasta dish:
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. Opt for dairy-free cheese.
- Vegetarian Option: Leave out the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Boost the Flavor: Mix in a splash of white wine while making the sauce or sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.
- Healthier Choice: Use whole-grain, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta, and swap cream with Greek yogurt.
- Extra Protein: Sub chicken with shrimp, tofu, or ground turkey.
Equipment You’ll Need
Make sure to have these kitchen essentials on hand:
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
- Skillet: To cook chicken and make the sauce.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping and slicing ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce without scratching your skillet.
- Colander: To drain the cooked pasta.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella
Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating a creamy, flavorful Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella that’s bound to impress!
Step 1: Start by Cooking the Pasta 🍝
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it, but don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen up the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken 🍗
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
Step 3: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce 🍅
Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook them for two minutes to release their sweet aroma.
Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, helping it thicken slightly.
Step 4: Bring It All Together 🧀
Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to make sure the creamy sauce coats every piece. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook just until the cheese melts. This step gives it an irresistible gooeyness!
Step 5: Time to Serve 🌿
Garnish your masterpiece generously with fresh basil leaves. Serve it hot and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Handy Tips to Perfect Your Pasta
- Warm Ingredients Work Best: Bring all ingredients like cream and cheese to room temperature to avoid curdling.
- Adjust the Spice: Control the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Don’t Skip Pasta Water: A splash of this reserved water can make the sauce silkier if it feels too thick.
- Melt Cheese Gently: Cover the skillet when adding the cheese to prevent overcooking it.
How to Present and Serve This Dish?
For a stunning visual, use large white plates or pasta bowls to serve your sun-dried tomato pasta. Sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color. Want to be extra fancy? Grate some Parmesan cheese over each bowl, or pair the dish with garlic bread and a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Nutritional Information You’ll Appreciate
This dish is indulgent but not overly heavy. Here’s a snapshot of its nutritional value per serving:
- Calories: Around 550
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 25g
Save It for Later
If you’re prepping ahead or have leftovers, here are the storage tips to keep it fresh and delicious:
Refrigeration
Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creaminess.
Freezing
Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, and reheat on the stovetop. The texture of mozzarella may slightly change after freezing, but it’ll still taste great!
This sun-dried tomato pasta with chicken and mozzarella is a recipe you’ll want to make on repeat. Easy, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s destined to become one of your favorites. Give it a try, and I’m confident you’ll agree!
Sun Dried Tomato Pasta With Chicken And Mozzarella Recipe
Ingredients
- Pasta penne or fettuccine
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil leaves optional
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it, but don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen up the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
- Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook them for two minutes to release their sweet aroma.
- Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, helping it thicken slightly.
- Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to make sure the creamy sauce coats every piece. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook just until the cheese melts. This step gives it an irresistible gooeyness!
- Garnish your masterpiece generously with fresh basil leaves. Serve it hot and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Notes
- Warm Ingredients Work Best: Bring all ingredients like cream and cheese to room temperature to avoid curdling.
- Adjust the Spice: Control the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Don’t Skip Pasta Water: A splash of this reserved water can make the sauce silkier if it feels too thick.
- Melt Cheese Gently: Cover the skillet when adding the cheese to prevent overcooking it.
