Description
Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes brings zesty Italian-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen. Bold flavors and creamy textures blend perfectly, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Pasta and Seasoning:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
Sauce and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, submerge pasta, and cook according to package guidelines. Drain the pasta, preserving one cup of starchy liquid for potential sauce adjustment, then set aside.
- Create a robust spice blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with this aromatic mixture.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a golden crust for approximately 5-7 minutes until completely cooked. Transfer chicken to a resting surface, then slice into elegant strips once cooled.
- Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat to medium and introduce butter. Sauté minced garlic until its fragrance permeates the kitchen, approximately one minute.
- Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, letting them caramelize and release their concentrated flavor for 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce heavy cream, chicken broth, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes to create a luxurious sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes velvety.
- Integrate grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the sauce’s depth.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated. If the sauce appears dense, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
- Add sliced chicken to the pasta, gently tossing to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Plate the dish, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions and boost nutritional value.
- Reduce heat intensity by cutting back on cayenne and red pepper flakes for a milder version that’s kid-friendly.
- Allow chicken to rest after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness and prevent dry meat texture.
- Use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to heavy cream for a healthier sauce without compromising creamy richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg