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Homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken photo

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

A creamy sun-dried tomato pasta tossed with tender seasoned chicken and spinach.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium chicken breasts approx. 1 pound, sliced horizontally and pounded to even thickness
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomatoes divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound pasta cellentani or pasta of choice
  • 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large shallot chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil rinsed and chopped into strips (about 1 heaping cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups spinach roughly chopped, optional
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • very large skillet with sides
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl whisk together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper to make the chicken seasoning. Rub both sides of the chicken with 1/2 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil and half the seasoning; flip and repeat with remaining oil and seasoning. Let rest while you prepare other ingredients.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and toss the pasta with a little oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil in a very large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken and cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes until browned on the first side. Flip, cover, reduce heat to medium and cook 3–5 more minutes until cooked through. Transfer chicken to a cutting board, tent with foil, and keep the pan drippings in the skillet.
  4. To the same skillet over medium-low heat add 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Add chopped shallot and sun-dried tomato strips and sauté 3–4 minutes until shallot is tender, scraping up browned bits. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 30 seconds.
  5. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in chicken bouillon, dried basil, oregano, parsley, and the remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer, stirring often, until sauce thickens.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in 3/4 cup Parmesan until melted, then add 1/3 cup mozzarella and stir until melted and smooth.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in the chopped spinach and add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  8. Slice or chop the rested chicken and add to the pasta, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan and serve.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken using the same seasonings.
  • Choose a ridged pasta shape so the sauce clings better.
  • Shallot may be substituted with yellow onion.
  • Purchase sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and rinse them well to reduce excess oil.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for best melting.
  • You can use chicken thighs, chopped raw chicken, or rotisserie chicken as alternatives.