This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Garlic Herb Sauce is a delightful combination of tender chicken, rich and savory garlic herb sauce, and the bold flavor of sundried tomatoes. The creaminess of the sauce, paired with the al dente pasta, makes for a comforting dish that is perfect for any night of the week. Topped with fresh herbs, it’s a beautiful and tasty meal to share with family and friends.
Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or planning a cozy meal for a special occasion, this pasta is an excellent choice. It is packed with flavor yet simple to prepare, bringing the warmth and depth of Italian-inspired cuisine straight to your table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup sundried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, and paprika.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped sundried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Recipe Highlights
This dish combines the savory taste of sautéed chicken with the tangy, rich flavor of sundried tomatoes. The creamy garlic herb sauce provides a luscious texture that complements the slight chewiness of the pasta, making it a delightful choice for pasta lovers. The use of Parmesan cheese not only adds a nutty, salty flavor to the sauce but also helps thicken it, providing that classic creamy texture.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts as they cook quickly and soak up the flavors of the seasoning well. For even cooking, slice the breasts evenly.
- Sundried Tomatoes: These add an intense flavor to the dish and balance out the richness of the cream sauce. If possible, choose sundried tomatoes packed in oil, as they’re softer and more flavorful.
- Pasta: A short pasta like penne or a long pasta like fettuccine works great, as the creamy sauce clings to each piece well. You can even use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Heavy Cream and Parmesan: Heavy cream is the base of the sauce, making it rich and silky. Parmesan adds umami and deepens the flavor. Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and melting properties.
Tips for Cooking
- Browning the Chicken: Cooking the chicken until it is golden brown not only locks in the juices but also adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce. Make sure not to overcook, as the chicken can become dry.
- Building the Sauce: The key to a flavorful sauce is sautéing the garlic and sundried tomatoes together before adding the liquid components. This step infuses the oil with their flavors, providing a flavorful base.
- Mixing the Pasta with Sauce: Always add the pasta to the sauce rather than pouring the sauce over the pasta. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and ensures an even coating.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. These herbs also add a subtle hint of flavor that brightens up the dish.
- Pairing Options: Serve this creamy pasta with a side salad (like a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette) or some garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. A glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay, would also pair well with the creamy sauce.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be made ahead. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce.
Flavor Profile
The dish offers a balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. The chicken, seasoned with garlic powder, basil, and paprika, brings a lightly spiced, aromatic taste. The sundried tomatoes add a pleasant, tangy sweetness, cutting through the richness of the heavy cream. Combined with the Parmesan cheese, the sauce is both indulgent and flavorful, giving each bite a satisfying depth.
Variations & Customizations
- Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with mushrooms or zucchini, which will absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Simply sauté them in olive oil until golden brown before adding them to the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and sundried tomatoes. This will bring a slight spice to balance the creaminess.
- Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have dried basil on hand, consider using Italian seasoning, which provides a blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Fresh thyme or oregano can also add an earthy flavor to the dish.
Nutritional Balance
This pasta recipe provides a mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. The chicken is a great source of lean protein, while the heavy cream adds fat, which makes the dish filling and satisfying. To make the meal more balanced:
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like spinach, kale, or broccoli florets to the dish. They’ll not only enhance the flavor but also add extra nutrients and fiber.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier take, use whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber content and add a nutty flavor to the dish.
Kitchen Tips & Techniques
- Cooking the Chicken: To ensure the chicken is tender and juicy, cook it on medium-high heat just until it’s golden on the outside and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Overcooking can make it dry, so keep an eye on it.
- Creating a Smooth Sauce: Stir the Parmesan cheese into the sauce gradually and continuously whisk to avoid clumping. The heat should be gentle to allow the cheese to melt smoothly into the cream.
- Starch Tip: For an even creamier sauce, reserve some pasta water before draining. Adding a few tablespoons of this starchy water when mixing the pasta with the sauce can help thicken and emulsify the sauce, making it cling to the pasta better.
Meal Planning & Serving
- Great for Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, making it a great choice for meal prep. Simply store in individual portions and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
- Portion Control: The recipe is quite rich, so smaller portions paired with a side salad or roasted vegetables can be more balanced for those watching their calorie intake.
- Serving Style: For a restaurant-quality presentation, serve the pasta in a deep bowl and top with freshly grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a few torn basil leaves. A drizzle of olive oil over the top adds shine and an extra layer of flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
- Salad Pairing: A fresh, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the creaminess of the pasta. Try a side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light citrus dressing.
- Bread Pairing: Warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make for a great accompaniment, helping to soak up the creamy sauce and complete the meal.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with the creamy and tangy flavors of the dish. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied option like Pinot Noir would also work nicely.
Cooking for a Crowd
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings. It’s an ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy date night. Just make sure you have a large enough skillet to hold all the ingredients and mix everything evenly.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Garlic Herb Sauce is a versatile and delicious dish that can quickly become a favorite for any meal. Its balance of tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and flavorful sundried tomatoes creates a comforting yet sophisticated flavor that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or a cozy night in. With plenty of room for customization, you can adapt the recipe to suit various dietary preferences and spice levels, making it an adaptable choice for many occasions. Easy to prepare and full of bold flavors, this pasta dish will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving another bite.