Craving a comforting pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate? This Ultimate Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken Mozzarella will hit the spot.
Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Every bite is a delightful mix of tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella.
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta recipe!
Steps
- Pour 3 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar into a large pot or high-sided skillet. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and set them aside for later use.
- Heat the pot over medium-high heat and add the chicken along with 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown, about 5 minutes, then add 1/4 cup of parmesan and cook for another minute before removing the chicken from the pot.
- In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté the shallot, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning until fragrant, approximately 3 minutes. Pour in 3 1/2 cups of water and bring it to a boil, then add the pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente, which takes about 8 minutes. Stir in the cream, mustard, parmesan, spinach, and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot, tossing everything together until well combined. Serve the pasta with a squeeze of lemon juice and a generous sprinkle of fresh parmesan on top.
Ingredients
- Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta recipe:
- 3 tablespoons oil from a jar of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning (homemade blend: 2 tablespoons dried basil, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 1 pound chicken, diced
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- seasoned chicken and sun-dried tomatoes.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the rigatoni for other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, so the pasta is cooked al dente.
- What can I use as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
- If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers to add a similar depth of flavor to the dish.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
- Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
- While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or water to maintain its creamy consistency.
- Can I add more vegetables to this pasta?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to enhance the dish’s nutritional value and flavor.
- What is the purpose of using the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes?
- The oil from the sun-dried tomatoes is seasoned and adds an extra layer of flavor to the chicken and pasta, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Tips
- Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to cook the chicken, as it adds extra flavor due to its seasoning. Ensure it’s extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Season the chicken with a homemade Italian seasoning blend, which includes dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, smoked paprika, and chili flakes, to enhance its flavor.
- Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. This prevents overcooking when you combine it with the creamy sauce and chicken, ensuring the pasta retains the right texture.
- Finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a generous sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese for added zest and richness.
Equipment
- Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta, here’s a list of main equipment you might consider purchasing from Amazon if you don’t already have them at home:
- Large Pot or Skillet with Sides – Essential for cooking this one-pot dish.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping sun-dried tomatoes and other ingredients.
- Cutting Board – Useful for preparing ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons – To measure seasonings and other ingredients accurately.
- Parmesan Grater – If you’re using a block of parmesan cheese, a grater will be needed.
- Citrus Juicer – Handy for squeezing lemon juice over the finished dish.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the ingredients while cooking.