Creamy garlic chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes

Craving Comfort? Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is the Answer!

Let’s face it, some nights you just need a big bowl of comfort food. This creamy garlic chicken pasta, bursting with the bright flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, is exactly that! It’s quick, easy, and satisfying, making it the perfect weeknight meal. We’re talking perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken, a luscious creamy sauce, and the delightful tang of sun-dried tomatoes. Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet delicious dish!

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Making the Magic: Ingredients and Preparation

This recipe requires minimal ingredients and prep time, making it incredibly accessible for busy weeknights. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how to get started.

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The Star Players: Key Ingredients

• Pasta: Fettuccine is classic, but penne, spaghetti, or even rotini work beautifully. Choose your favorite!
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the easiest to work with. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add an intense, concentrated flavor. Drain them well before using.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! Don’t skimp on it; it’s the heart of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: This creates the luxurious, creamy texture we’re after.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and garlic.
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of heat), and dried Italian herbs.

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Prepping for Success: Getting Ready to Cook

Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to prep your ingredients. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure everything comes together smoothly.

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold for creating a creamy, luscious sauce!
2. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
3. Chop the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: Mince the garlic finely. Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces if they are whole.
4. Grate the Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce.

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The Cooking Process: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients prepped, it’s time to start cooking! This recipe comes together quickly, so be sure to have everything within reach.

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1. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Season and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce more effectively.
• Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps to create a creamy and emulsified sauce.
• Don’t burn the garlic: Burnt garlic can ruin the entire dish. Keep the heat low and sauté it just until fragrant.
• Adjust the sauce consistency: Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick, or simmer the sauce for a few minutes longer if it’s too thin.

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Variations and Additions: Making it Your Own

One of the best things about this creamy garlic chicken pasta recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.

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• Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions.
• Use different cheeses: Try adding a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese, or a sprinkle of mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy finish.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Add herbs: Fresh basil or oregano would be a flavorful addition.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Comfort Meal

This creamy garlic chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy a simple, flavorful, and comforting meal any night of the week. With its easy preparation, readily available ingredients, and customizable nature, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the joy of this delicious pasta dish. Bon appétit!

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