Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of our Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta! This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a flavor explosion.
- Quick and simple prep time allows you to enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for meal prep – make a batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil: Adds a rich flavor to the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Protein-packed and succulent.
- Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes: Enhance the overall taste profile.
- Shallots, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes: Provide depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Fusilli or penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth, baby spinach: Adds moisture and nutrients to the dish.
- Low-fat cream cheese, whole milk, Parmesan cheese: Create a creamy and luscious sauce.
- Fresh basil: Adds a pop of freshness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add shallots, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in chicken broth and simmer.
- Stir in spinach, cream cheese, milk, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Toss in cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes.
- Substitute spinach with kale for a different flavor profile.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature for easier blending.
- Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan on the stove with a splash of milk to maintain the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use regular cream cheese instead of low-fat? Yes, but it may make the dish richer.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
- Can I freeze this pasta? It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Can I use dried basil instead of fresh? Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor.
Conclusion:
Treat yourself to a bowl of our Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta and savor every bite of this decadent dish. Don’t forget to share your feedback with us and enjoy creating this delightful recipe!
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Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and creamy spinach sauce over perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup diced shallots
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 8 ounces uncooked fusilli or penne pasta
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups packed baby spinach
- 2 ounces low fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook in olive oil until browned.
- Add Aromatics: Saute shallots, garlic, and sun dried tomatoes until fragrant.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Make Sauce: Add chicken broth, spinach, cream cheese, and milk. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.
- Finish: Stir in parmesan cheese and basil. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg