Unique Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a flavorful pasta dish that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice! Combining tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste for convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick Prep Time: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, with protein, carbs, and veggies all in one pot.
- Budget-Friendly: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe easy on your wallet.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 Chicken Thighs (skinless and boneless, cut into small pieces)
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup pureed, ½ cup chopped)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
- Pasta Shells (or any preferred shape, such as penne or fusilli)
- 2 tablespoons Cream Cheese
- Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnishing)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta:
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Prepare Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with black pepper and salt. Pierce the chicken with a skewer to help the flavors penetrate. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
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Process Tomatoes: In a food processor, blend ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes until pureed. Chop the remaining ½ cup and set aside.
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Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
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Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until browned and mostly cooked through.
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Combine Tomatoes: Stir in the pureed sun-dried tomatoes and let it cook covered for 5 minutes.
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Boil Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil the pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Season Chicken: Season the chicken mixture with an additional teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
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Mix Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the chicken. Mix thoroughly.
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Add Cream Cheese: Stir in 2 heaping tablespoons of cream cheese to create a creamy sauce.
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Finish With Basil: Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle fresh basil before serving.
Tips for the Best Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Poke Holes in Meat: Puncture the chicken prior to marinating to allow flavors to absorb quickly.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Choose high-quality pasta and sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 6 weeks. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Add a splash of water when microwaving to keep it moist. Reheat on the stovetop while stirring frequently.
Indulge in this comforting and satisfying Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite! Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the ease of preparation—it’s a delicious dish you’ll come back to again and again!