Description
This chicken sun-dried tomato pasta with mozzarella sauce is a creamy, savory Italian-inspired dinner featuring tender poultry, tangy tomatoes, and luxuriously melted cheese. By searing the chicken in the aromatic oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, the protein is infused with deep, savory notes. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that combines chewy, sun-dried tomatoes with a silky, smooth cheese sauce, ensuring a comforting and sophisticated dining experience in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs to taste
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Slice the chicken into thin strips and season lightly with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
Heat a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken strips until golden brown and cooked through, then remove them from the pan.
Sauté the minced garlic in the same pan for one minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for three minutes until slightly thickened.
Whisk in the shredded mozzarella cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and fully melted.
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach until the spinach wilts slightly.
Return the chicken to the pan and toss in the cooked pasta until everything is evenly coated and hot.
Notes
Use full-fat heavy cream for the best sauce texture. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts much smoother than pre-shredded varieties. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, adding a splash of water or cream when reheating to revive the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Baking
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg