Description
Indulge in this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, a creamy and flavorful Italian-inspired dish. Juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and penne pasta are coated in a luscious mozzarella cream sauce, enhanced with garlic, basil, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins, sliced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 cup half-and-half (or ½ cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (or more, as needed)
- Additional salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the sliced chicken with salt and paprika. Add it to the skillet and cook on high heat for about 1 minute per side until browned and cooked through. Remove temporarily from heat.
- Prepare the Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat, add half-and-half, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, add mozzarella cheese, and stir until melted and creamy.
- Season & Combine: Stir in dried basil and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Serve: Let the pasta sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, Italian sausage, or tofu for variation.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Asiago or Parmesan.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
