Indulge in a culinary masterpiece with our Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta featuring succulent chicken slices and a lusciously creamy Mozzarella sauce. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between vibrant flavors, making it a must-try for any pasta enthusiast. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of intense sweetness, while the creamy sauce ties everything together, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.
In our little family, this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta has become a cherished delight. It all started with the rich aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes sizzling in olive oil—a prelude to the flavorful journey that awaited us. The pan-seared chicken, seasoned to perfection, added a savory touch, making it a favorite among family members. This dish has seamlessly woven itself into our routine, a symbol of shared moments and the joy found in a plateful of delicious memories.
Why This Irresistible Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Delight:
- Mouthwatering Flavor Fusion: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and perfectly seasoned chicken creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
- Creamy Mozzarella Magic: A velvety, homemade Mozzarella sauce elevates this pasta to new heights, ensuring every bite is luxuriously creamy.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish adapts effortlessly, leaving everyone craving more.
- Quick and Easy Prep: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe makes gourmet dining accessible to all home cooks.
Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins, sliced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 cup half and half (or ½ cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk)
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (not fresh)
- 8 oz penne pasta (gluten-free option: brown rice pasta)
- 1 tbsp basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water or more
- ¼ tsp salt to taste
Directions:
- Sauté minced garlic and drained sun-dried tomatoes in 2 tablespoons of reserved olive oil in a skillet for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Remove sun-dried tomatoes, leaving the olive oil. Add sliced, seasoned chicken, cooking on high heat for 1 minute on each side. Remove from heat.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserving some cooked pasta water. Drain the pasta.
- Slice sun-dried tomatoes and add them back to the skillet with chicken.
- Make the creamy pasta sauce by adding half-and-half and Mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer, stirring until the sauce is creamy.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce, stirring to combine. Add basil and red pepper flakes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved cooked pasta water gradually to reach the desired consistency.
- Season with salt and more red pepper flakes if needed. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
Notes: Ensure the dish is adequately salted to enhance the flavors of basil and sun-dried tomatoes. Experiment with half-and-half substitutions as mentioned in the Recipe Notes section for a personalized touch.
