Elevate your date night with a culinary masterpiece – our Date Night Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta! This delightful dish brings together the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, savory chicken, and a luscious pesto sauce that will transport your taste buds to a realm of indulgence. Perfect for a cozy evening in or a special occasion, this pasta recipe is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
In the heart of our home, this Date Night Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta has become a cherished favorite. Picture this: candlelit dinners, laughter, and the aroma of this pasta wafting through the air. It all started when my husband took the first bite and declared it a masterpiece. Now, it’s a regular feature on our date nights, and our little family wouldn’t have it any other way. The combination of succulent chicken, crispy pancetta, and the velvety sun-dried tomato pesto creates a dining experience that’s truly unforgettable.
Why This Date Night Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta:
Unraveling the culinary magic!
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: A vibrant blend of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese, creating a pesto that’s both robust and aromatic.
- Cajun Chicken Dredge: An expertly seasoned dredge that ensures each bite of chicken is bursting with flavor, offering a delightful Cajun kick.
- Creamy Pasta Sauce: A velvety combination of Pinot Grigio, heavy cream, and chicken stock, elevating the dish to luxurious heights.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The marriage of crispy pancetta, tender chicken, and the sun-dried tomato pesto results in a harmonious medley that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
- 10 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil (do not drain the oil)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder or red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Cajun Chicken Dredge
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- Date Night Pasta
- 2 pounds chicken breasts (cleaned and cut into bite-size pieces)
- 10 ounces pasta, any shape
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces pancetta, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons reserved dredge flour
- 8 ounces Pinot Grigio wine
- 6 ounces heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups sun-dried tomato pesto
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread (optional but highly suggested)
Directions:
- Begin by preparing the sun-dried tomato pesto in a food processor, combining garlic, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and spices.
- Create a flavorful dredge for the chicken by mixing flour and spices, then coat bite-sized chicken pieces.
- Boil pasta according to package instructions while browning dredged chicken in a skillet. Set aside cooked chicken.
- In the same skillet, cook pancetta until crispy, remove, and add butter. Whisk in reserved dredge flour, then add wine, chicken stock, and cream.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, spices, and sun-dried tomato pesto into the sauce. Mix in cooked pasta, chicken, and pancetta.
- Serve with crusty bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an exquisite date night feast.
Notes: For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and pancetta, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a delightful twist. Adjust spice levels to suit your taste, and feel free to explore different pasta shapes for a unique presentation. Nutritional information per serving: [Provide relevant details.]
