Oh boy, let me tell you about my ultimate favorite comfort dish: **Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes**! This recipe is a real winner in my kitchen and has been a go-to dinner for those busy weeknights when I need something quick yet comforting. The first time I made it was during an unexpected visit from my old college roommate, and I was a bit nervous about impressing him. I whipped this up in no time, and you should have seen his face when he took the first bite! Since then, it’s become a staple in my home not just for its rich flavors but also for the amazing memories it brings back.
What makes this recipe unique is that it combines the savory goodness of chicken with the sweet-tart flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, along with a creamy sauce that just clings to every piece of pasta. Not only is it delicious, but it also offers a quick escape into a delightful culinary adventure, right from my kitchen! Let’s dive into the details so you can bring this dish to your table too!
What’s in Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Chicken Breast: Juicy and full of protein, chicken breast is the star of this dish. I usually opt for free-range chicken whenever possible because it tends to be more flavorful.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems add a burst of flavor with their sweet and tangy profile. I prefer the oil-packed ones for added richness, but if you’re watching calories, feel free to use the dried ones—just soak them in hot water!
Pasta: I like to use fettuccine or penne as they hold the sauce beautifully. Plus, who doesn’t love twirling fettuccine around their fork?
Cream: Heavy cream gives this dish its luscious texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a plant-based cream can work, but the richness really shines through with heavy cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is always best! It melts beautifully and adds a savory depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key to enhancing all those glorious flavors. A rule of thumb—always go fresh if possible!
Spinach: A handful of fresh spinach adds not just color but an extra nutritional kick to this dish.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and building flavors. I love a good quality extra virgin olive oil for depth.
Is Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health side of things! This dish offers several benefits, but like everything, it’s all about moderation.
Chicken Breast: A great source of lean protein, perfect for those muscle-repair needs after a long day.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, they also provide a good amount of fiber. Just remember, if they’re packed in oil, that adds extra calories.
Spinach: This leafy green is nutrient-dense and brings loads of vitamins A, C, and K into the mix. It’s a fantastic way to up your veggie intake while enjoying a delicious meal!
However, we also need to keep an eye on that heavy cream—it can be calorie-dense, so if you’re dining with health goals in mind, consider portion sizes or lighter substitutes.
Ingredients List
– 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced
– 2 cups pasta (fettuccine or penne)
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt & pepper to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Serves: 4
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
1. Start by cooking the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine while scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens just slightly.
5. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the Parmesan cheese and spinach. Stir until the cheese has melted and the spinach is wilted.
6. Toss the pasta into the skillet, making sure everything is nicely coated in that creamy sauce. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if you’d like!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ideas:
– Swap the chicken for shrimp or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.
– Add a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest at the end for a fresh twist.
– Serve with a side salad or garlic bread to soak up that extra creamy sauce.
– If you want to spice things up, throw in some red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic.
I hope you give this delightful **Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes** a try! It’s such a great way to share a cozy meal with family or friends. When you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!
