Creamy Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta: A Flavorful Italian Escape

Craving a comforting yet sophisticated pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Creamy Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s surprisingly easy to make, packed with tender chicken, vibrant sundried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or anytime you want to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and tangy sundried tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its elegant taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** This dish can be easily customized to your preferences. You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or sausage, add different vegetables, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
* **Comfort Food:** The creamy sauce and hearty ingredients make this pasta dish incredibly comforting and satisfying.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The vibrant colors and textures of this dish make it visually appealing, perfect for serving to guests.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable pasta dish:

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (fettuccine, penne, spaghetti, or rotini all work well)
* **Chicken:** 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* **Sundried Tomatoes:** 1/2 cup of sundried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup of heavy cream
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup of chicken broth
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves of garlic, minced
* **Onion:** 1/2 of a medium-sized onion, chopped
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Fresh Basil:** Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Creamy Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta:

**1. Cook the Pasta:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, indicating the pasta is firm but not hard when bitten. This usually translates to cooking for about 8-10 minutes, but always refer to the specific instructions on your pasta package.
* Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. The starchy pasta water will help to create a creamy sauce.

**2. Prepare the Chicken:**

* While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This will help them to brown nicely.
* Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

**3. Sauté the Aromatics:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

**4. Cook the Chicken:**

* Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**5. Create the Creamy Sauce:**

* In the same skillet, add the drained and chopped sundried tomatoes.
* Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sundried tomatoes to release their flavor into the oil.
* Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits, known as fond, add a lot of flavor to the sauce.
* Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
* Add the red pepper flakes, if using.
* Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Be careful not to boil the sauce, as this can cause it to curdle.
* Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

**6. Combine Everything:**

* Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
* Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

**7. Serve and Garnish:**

* Serve the Creamy Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta immediately.
* Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
* Serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

## Tips and Variations

* **Pasta Choice:** While fettuccine, penne, spaghetti, and rotini are all excellent choices for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes. Bowtie pasta (farfalle) or rigatoni would also work well.
* **Chicken Substitute:** If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with shrimp, Italian sausage, or even grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add other vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli, for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
* **Spicy Kick:** For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
* **Wine Pairing:** A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with this creamy pasta dish.
* **Make Ahead:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce before adding the pasta and chicken.
* **Sundried Tomato Tip:** If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use sundried tomatoes that are not oil-packed. Simply rehydrate them in hot water for about 15 minutes before using.
* **Nut-Free Option:** Ensure the Parmesan cheese is produced in a nut-free facility if needed.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten up the flavors of the sauce.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary, in addition to or instead of Italian seasoning.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with the following:

* **Garlic Bread:** A classic side dish that’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are all great options.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Creamy Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze leftover pasta. However, the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. To minimize this, freeze the pasta in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta recipe is a winner! It’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant sundried tomatoes, this dish is a delightful culinary experience. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy in your own kitchen! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family – they’ll thank you for it!

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta! Buon Appetito!