This Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory delight that comes together quickly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and loved by the whole family, making mealtime a breeze!
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pasta
This chicken pasta recipe offers a unique twist with sun-dried tomatoes, adding a burst of flavor and a touch of sophistication. The creamy sauce envelops perfectly cooked spaghetti, making each bite rich and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it a go-to dish for any occasion!
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Pasta
To achieve that delicious flavor, gather these key ingredients:
- Chicken breasts (optional)
- Dry spaghetti
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- Shallots or yellow onion
- Garlic
- Dried herbs or Italian seasoning
- Dried red chili flakes
- Dry white wine or broth
- Tomato paste
- Alternative milk
- Chicken broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Baby spinach
- Olive oil and butter
- Seasonings: salt, black pepper, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Preparing the Chicken (Optional)
If you’re adding chicken, start by seasoning the breasts with salt, brown sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. In a pan with olive oil and butter, sear the chicken for about three minutes per side until golden, then cover and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Building the Flavor Base
In the same pan, sauté chopped sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and your choice of dried herbs along with chili flakes and black pepper for two minutes to bloom those vibrant flavors. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
Creating the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Deglaze the pan with white wine, simmering until the liquid reduces and the alcohol smell dissipates. Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for a few minutes until its color deepens. Then, add chicken broth and alternative milk, bringing everything to a gentle simmer.
Bringing it All Together
Next, add the par-cooked spaghetti, simmering for a couple of minutes until the pasta is al dente. Adjust the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water, if needed. If using chicken, return the pieces to the pan for a brief warm-up. Finish by stirring in grated Parmesan and baby spinach until everything is beautifully blended.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Pasta Every Time
Choosing the Best Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Opt for high-quality Italian sun-dried tomatoes made from whole tomatoes. They provide a sweet and umami flavor that enhances your dish, unlike cheaper brands often made from slivers that can be bitter.
Herb Substitutions for Your Pasta
If you don’t have individual dried herbs, don’t worry! You can easily substitute them with two teaspoons of Italian seasoning for a similar flavor profile.
Making it Alcohol-Free
For an alcohol-free version, simply replace the white wine with additional chicken broth or water. The dish will still be delicious!
Keeping it Dairy-Free
Use alternative milk instead of heavy cream for a creamy texture without dairy. This makes the dish lactose-friendly while still satisfying your creamy cravings.
Achieving the Perfect Pasta Texture
Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. Remember to reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce’s consistency for that perfect finish.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for Chicken Pasta?
You’ll need chicken breasts (optional), spaghetti, sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, garlic, dried herbs, chili flakes, white wine or broth, tomato paste, alternative milk, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, olive oil, butter, and seasonings.
How do I make Chicken Pasta step by step?
To make Chicken Pasta, cook spaghetti, prepare the chicken (if using), sauté the flavor base, create the creamy sauce, and combine everything together. Finish with Parmesan and spinach. Serve hot!
Can I make Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving. This makes it a great meal prep option!
How should I store leftover Chicken Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
Related Recipes to try
- Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Chicken Club Pasta Salad
- Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Conclusion
This Chicken Pasta recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with comforting flavors. For more ideas, don’t forget to check out delicious inspirations on Pinterest. Enjoy cooking and savoring your time with family at the dinner table!
Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners
Equipment
- Large pot
- skillet
- tongs
- Measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken breasts optional
- 1 pound Dry spaghetti
- 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil chopped
- 2 Shallots finely chopped (or 1 yellow onion)
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Dried herbs oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried red chili flakes
- 1/2 cup Dry white wine or broth/water
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 cup Alternative milk dairy-free
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in well-salted water until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season and sear chicken breasts in olive oil and butter until golden, then cook through. Rest and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, garlic, herbs, chili flakes, and pepper in the same pan until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine and simmer until reduced.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until the color deepens.
- Add chicken broth and alternative milk, then bring to a simmer.
- Add the par-cooked pasta and simmer for 2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Return the chicken to the pan to warm through for the final 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and baby spinach until wilted.
- Taste and season with salt if needed, then serve immediately.
