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When it comes to weeknight dinners, few dishes can compete with the comforting allure of creamy pasta. Among these, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta stands out as a delightful combination of rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and vibrant colors. This dish features tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a creamy, tangy sauce punctuated by the distinct taste of sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you're preparing a quick meal for your family after a busy day or impressing guests at a special gathering, this recipe is sure to please.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Discover the delightful flavors of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta, the perfect weeknight dinner! This rich and satisfying dish combines tender chicken with a creamy, tangy sauce enriched by sun-dried tomatoes. It's simple to prepare, using fresh ingredients that create a luxurious meal without hours in the kitchen. Ideal for families or impressing guests, this recipe is versatile enough to adapt to different tastes and dietary needs. Explore the cooking techniques and variations that make this pasta a comforting favorite!

Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup chicken broth

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried)

1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped

Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest thoroughly. Set the pasta aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and cracked black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking for about 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Set it aside.

      Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned. Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

        Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine well. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese along with the Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

          Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and fresh spinach, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.

            Serve: After tasting, adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the creamy pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4