Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
This rich, savory pasta dish features tender chicken and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious cream sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Get ready for a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that's surprisingly simple to whip up at home! This creamy chicken and sun-dried tomato pasta is pure comfort food, boasting incredible depth of flavor that'll make it a new family favorite. It's proof that a truly satisfying meal doesn't have to be complicated.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips
- Save a little of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar; it's packed with flavor and great to cook the chicken in!
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas.
- Don't rinse your pasta after draining! The starch on the pasta helps the sauce cling beautifully.
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