Chicken Mozzarella Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Italian-inspired dinner with the best homemade creamy pasta sauce!
The sun-dried tomato pasta sauce is made from scratch using basil, red pepper flakes, garlic, paprika, cream, and shredded Mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins , sliced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup half and half (or use ½ cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese , shredded (do not use fresh Mozzarella, use pre-shredded Mozzarella)
- 8 oz penne pasta (for gluten free, use gluten free brown rice pasta)
- 1 tablespoon basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water or more
- ¼ teaspoon salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: In a large skillet, on medium heat sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in the olive oil. Remove the sun-dried tomatoes from the skillet.
Step 2: Season sliced chicken with salt and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook on high heat. Add back the sun-dried tomatoes. Add half-and-half and shredded Mozzarella cheese.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to boil, then reduce to simmer and stir the sun-dried tomato sauce until the cheese melts.
Step 4: Add spices: basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt. Add cooked and drained penne pasta and stir to combine.
Step 5: Season the chicken pasta with salt and more red pepper flakes, to taste, if needed. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes for flavors to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Tips
If the creamy sauce is too thick, add about ½ cup of reserved cooked pasta water to the skillet to thin it out. Do not add all of pasta water at once – you might need less or more of it.
Use either sun-dried tomatoes without oil or sun-dried tomatoes in oil (in a jar). If using sun-dried tomatoes in oil (in a jar), make sure to drain sun-dried tomatoes from oil, before using them.
Sprinkle a small amount of paprika over the chicken before cooking – it adds flavor as well as the color to the dish.
Make sure to reserve some pasta water as you will DEFINITELY need it to thin out the cream sauce.
Feel free to increase the amount of spices for this recipe: basil, red pepper flakes, paprika. This will make the sun-dried tomato sauce even more flavorful!
Make sure to season the chicken mozzarella pasta with just the right amount of salt. That means you might have to add more salt. Salt will enhance the flavors of basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
FQAs
1. Can I use any type of pasta for this dish?
Yes, you can use your favorite pasta variety, whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Choose a shape that holds sauce well.
2. Do I need to use oil-packed or dry sun-dried tomatoes?
Either can work, but oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes can add extra flavor. If using dry ones, rehydrate them by soaking in warm water or olive oil before adding to the dish.
3. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save time. Shred or cube it and add it to the pasta during the final cooking stages to heat through.
4. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can omit the chicken or replace it with vegetarian protein alternatives like chickpeas or tofu. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Certainly! Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese can be delicious alternatives, providing different flavors and textures.
6. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente, and add it to the sauce towards the end of the cooking time, allowing it to absorb the flavors without overcooking.
7. What herbs work well with this dish?
Fresh basil, oregano, or parsley are excellent choices. Add them just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
8. Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare components in advance. Store the cooked pasta separately from the sauce and combine them just before serving. Reheat gently on the stove if needed.
9. How can I add extra vegetables to the dish?
Sauteed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or artichoke hearts can be excellent additions. Add them during the cooking process to ensure they are well-incorporated.
10. What’s a good side dish to serve with this pasta?
A simple green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread complements the flavors of the dish nicely.
11. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you enjoy a bit of heat. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference.
