Creamy Tomato Sundried Pasta with Chicken: A Recipe for Comfort Food Perfection
Are you craving a dish that's both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than this creamy tomato sundried pasta with chicken recipe! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. It's packed with flavor and texture, and it's sure to become a new family favorite. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous dinner. Gather the following:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A healthy fat for sautéing the chicken.
- 1 onion, chopped: Provides a base of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The foundation of our creamy tomato sauce.
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained: Adds a burst of intense tomato flavor and chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious creaminess.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, sharp flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- 1 lb pasta of your choice: Penne, rotini, or farfalle work particularly well.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a final garnish of freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality meal at home:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Creamy Perfection:
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Veggie boost: Include other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Cheese please: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
This Creamy Tomato Sundried Pasta with Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta makes for a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy!
