Chicken Mozzarella Pasta With Sun-dried Tomatoes – Experience the flavors of our Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, with Sun Dried Tomatoes recipe. This delectable dish combines chicken tenderloins flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and creamy mozzarella cheese to create a symphony of taste that will transport you to culinary bliss. In 40 minutes you can enjoy a hearty meal that beautifully blends American and Italian influences. Let’s delve into the story behind this creation its selling points and the simple steps to recreate this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.
I have memories of the first time I prepared this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. It was a summer evening when I set out to find a dish that would not only satisfy my husband’s love for Italian flavors but also excite my picky child’s taste buds. As I cooked the enticing aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes filled the kitchen building anticipation, for the feast ahead. To my delight the creamy sauce coated each strand of pasta perfectly creating a combination of textures and flavors that even my little one couldn’t resist. It warmed my heart to see both my husband and child savoring each bite with satisfaction while their eyes lit up in delight.
What makes this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta With Sun-dried Tomatoes truly special?
What makes our Chicken Mozzarella Pasta truly special is the way the ingredients come together. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor that beautifully contrasts with the taste of garlic and chicken. Our creamy sauce, made with the perfect amount of half and half and shredded mozzarella wraps, around the pasta in a deliciously indulgent way creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with every bite. To take it to another level we sprinkle in some basil and red pepper flakes, which give the dish a symphony of enticing aromas and tastes that dance on your tongue.
What You Need To Make This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta With Sun-dried Tomatoes Recipe?
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: When using sun-dried tomatoes make sure to drain them from their oil beforehand. This will prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. Allow the concentrated sweetness of the tomatoes to shine.
Mozzarella Cheese: For the creamiest outcome it is recommended to use shredded Mozzarella cheese instead of fresh Mozzarella. Pre shredded cheese melts smoothly, into the sauce resulting in a velvety texture.
Chicken Breast Tenderloins: To ensure quick and even cooking slice the chicken breast into tenderloins. These smaller cuts also absorb flavors well making every bite burst with goodness.
Half and Half or Heavy Cream and Milk: If you prefer a lighter option you can substitute half and half with a combination of heavy cream and half milk. This adjustment maintains the texture while reducing its richness.
Penne Pasta: While the recipe calls for penne pasta specifically those, with gluten sensitivities can opt for gluten-free brown rice pasta instead. This substitution ensures that everyone can savor this dish.
Basil and Red Pepper Flakes: Basil and red pepper flakes are seasonings that enhance the flavors of this dish. Basil adds a note while red pepper flakes provide a touch of spiciness. Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on how spicy you, like it.
Reserved Cooked Pasta Water: Don’t overlook the importance of pasta water! This starchy liquid, saved from boiling the pasta can be really helpful, in adjusting the consistency of the sauce. Gradually add it to get your desired thickness.
Salt to Taste: Remember to season with salt according to your taste. While the recipe provides measurements flavors can differ, so give it a taste before serving and adjust the salt accordingly. Just make sure not to overpower the flavors of basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
Steps To Make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta With Sun-dried Tomatoes:
Step 1: In a frying pan heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the garlic and drained sun-dried tomatoes, for about a minute until they become aromatic. Take out the sun-dried tomatoes from the pan. Keep the oil in.
Step 2: Add sliced chicken to the pan and sprinkle some salt and paprika for seasoning. Cook on high heat for a minute on each side. Then set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the penne pasta as per the instructions on the package. Keep some of the pasta water handy then drain the pasta.
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Step 4: Cut the sun-dried tomatoes into pieces. Put them back into the pan along with the chicken.
Step 5: Pour half and half (or use a mixture of cream and milk) and add shredded mozzarella cheese into the pan. Allow it to gently boil then reduce to a simmer while stirring until all the cheese melts beautifully to form a creamy sauce.
Step 6: Add in your pasta to the pan. Mix it well with that delicious sauce.
Step 7: Sprinkle some basil leaves and red pepper flakes give it a stir to combine everything nicely.
Step 8: If you find that your sauce is too thick gradually add some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Taste it. Season, with salt or more red pepper flakes if needed. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so that all those flavors can meld together wonderfully.
Step 10: Serve your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta hot enjoying every bite of its flavors.
Tip:
For a tender Chicken Mozzarella Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, you can add an extra layer of depth by marinating the sliced chicken tenderloins in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of paprika. Let the chicken soak in this marinade for 30 minutes, before cooking. This simple step not only enhances the taste of the chicken. Also ensures that it remains moist and succulent while being cooked. The marinade will infuse the dish with an aroma making every bite an experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh Mozzarella instead of shredded?
For this recipe, it’s recommended to use pre-shredded Mozzarella as it melts more smoothly into the creamy sauce.
Can I substitute half-and-half with something lighter?
If you want a lighter option you can mix milk and a small amount of heavy cream to achieve a similar creamy texture.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness?
Definitely! You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your desired level of spiciness making the dish perfect, for your taste buds.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta With Sun-dried Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 oz. sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 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 mozzarella cheese shredded
- 8 oz. penne pasta for gluten-free, use gluten-free brown rice pasta
- 1 tbsp. basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water or more
- ¼ tsp salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat up a skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot add garlic. Drained sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for a minute until they become aromatic. Remove the tomatoes from the skillet leaving behind the oil.
- Next, take the sliced chicken. Season it, with ¼ teaspoon of salt and paprika. Place the chicken in the skillet. Cook it for one minute on each side. Once cooked set it aside.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare penne pasta according to the instructions on the package. Remember to save some pasta water before draining it.
- Now return the sun-dried tomatoes back to the skillet along, with the chicken. Pour in one cup of half-and-half cream. Add one cup of mozzarella cheese. Allow everything to gently boil before reducing the heat to let the cheese melt into a creamy sauce.
- Combine your cooked pasta with this sauce in your skillet. Add a tablespoon of basil leaves and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a kick of flavor. Adjust salt as needed.
- If you prefer a thick sauce gradually stir in about ½ cup of pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes so that all flavors meld together nicely. Serve your delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta while hot savoring each bite with delight.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
