Chicken sun-dried tomato pasta with mozzarella sauce is a creamy, indulgent dish that brings comfort to your dinner table. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and quickly turns into a family favorite, providing a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
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Creamy Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Mozzarella Sauce
This recipe combines tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella in a luscious cream sauce. It’s not just delicious; it’s also simple to make, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or a cozy dinner with loved ones.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Pasta
To bring this dish to life, gather these key ingredients:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for chicken)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup half and half (or ½ cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (pre-shredded)
- 8 oz penne pasta (or gluten-free brown rice pasta)
- 1 tablespoon basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water or more
- ¼ teaspoon salt to taste
The combination of garlic, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a fragrant base, while the mozzarella ties everything together in a rich, creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Follow these simple steps to whip up this creamy chicken sun-dried tomato pasta:
- In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil over medium heat for 1 minute. Remove tomatoes and set aside, leaving the oil in the skillet.
- Season sliced chicken with salt and paprika. Cook chicken in the skillet over high heat for 1 minute per side. Remove chicken from heat.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Return sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken.
- Add half-and-half and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer. Stir constantly until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in basil, red pepper flakes, and reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Season with additional salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
This step-by-step guide ensures every bite is perfectly sauced and bursting with flavor!
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
To achieve the best sauce, keep these tips in mind:
- Use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese for easier melting and a smoother sauce.
- Adjust spices like basil and red pepper flakes to suit your taste; they enhance the dish’s overall profile.
- Reserve enough pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed, ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta.
With these tips, your creamy mozzarella sauce will have a flawless texture that elevates the entire dish.
Variations and Dietary Considerations
This chicken sun-dried tomato pasta is versatile. You can easily swap in shrimp, scallops, or even mushrooms for a meatless option. Additionally, consider adding Asiago cheese or a handful of spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. For those needing gluten-free options, using brown rice pasta works wonderfully.
If you’re looking for more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta or Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta for fresh ideas!
Related Recipes to Try
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for chicken sun-dried tomato pasta with mozzarella sauce?
You need garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, chicken breast, half and half or cream, mozzarella cheese, penne pasta, basil, and seasonings.
How do I make chicken sun-dried tomato pasta with mozzarella sauce step by step?
Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cook chicken, boil pasta, combine all ingredients in a skillet, and simmer until creamy.
Can I make chicken sun-dried tomato pasta with mozzarella sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it before serving, adding a bit more reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce.
How should I store leftover chicken sun-dried tomato pasta with mozzarella sauce?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
Conclusion
This chicken sun-dried tomato pasta with mozzarella sauce is a delightful dish that is sure to impress. Its creamy texture and vibrant flavors make it a perfect choice for any dinner. For more inspiration, visit Pinterest to discover even more fantastic recipes and ideas!
Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Mozzarella Sauce: Irresistibly Creamy
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon salt for chicken
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup half and half or ½ cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded pre-shredded
- 8 oz penne pasta or gluten-free brown rice pasta
- 1 tablespoon basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water or more
- ¼ teaspoon salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil over medium heat for 1 minute. Remove tomatoes and set aside, leaving the oil in the skillet.
- Season sliced chicken with salt and paprika. Cook chicken in the skillet over high heat for 1 minute per side. Remove chicken from heat.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Return sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken.
- Add half-and-half and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer. Stir constantly until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in basil, red pepper flakes, and reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Season with additional salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
Notes
– Substitute half-and-half with ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup milk.
– If using sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drain the tomatoes and reserve 2 tablespoons of the oil.
– Reserve pasta water to thin the cream sauce as needed; add gradually.
– Seasoning should be adjusted to enhance the flavors of basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
– Spices (basil, red pepper flakes, paprika) can be increased for more flavor.
