Creamy garlic chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes

Introduction

Craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s easy to make at home? Look no further than this creamy garlic chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes! This recipe combines tender chicken, rich garlic cream sauce, and the bright, tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes for a truly unforgettable meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Making the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

• **Chicken:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can use thighs if preferred.
• **Pasta:** We recommend fettuccine or linguine, but any pasta shape will work.
• **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is a must for that intense, aromatic flavor.
• **Sun-dried Tomatoes:** Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained (or dry-packed rehydrated).
• **Heavy Cream:** This is the key to the creamy sauce.
• **Chicken Broth:** Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• **Parmesan Cheese:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce and adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
• **Seasoning:** Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (optional) to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:** Add more olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
4. **Deglaze the Pan:** Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. **Add Cream and Cheese:** Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. **Add Sun-dried Tomatoes:** Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes.
7. **Combine Everything:** Add the cooked chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat.
8. **Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pasta

• **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta al dente – it should be slightly firm to the bite.
• **Reserve Pasta Water:** Before draining the pasta, reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water. This can be added to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• **Add Some Spice:** For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• **Fresh Herbs are Key:** Fresh parsley or basil add a bright, fresh flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• **Spinach:** Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.
• **Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
• **Different Cheese:** Try using Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan.
• **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
• **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable pasta experience!