Description
A flavorful Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta recipe combining tender seared chicken strips with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, all tossed with al dente pasta and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish blends savory and tangy flavors for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-size strips)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Cooking Fats and Herbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (sliced thin)
Liquids and Cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions, then set aside but keep warm.
- Prepare the Chicken: Meanwhile, cut the chicken into bite-sized strips and season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the Skillet: Add olive oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat and let it warm for a few minutes until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a sear. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes, letting the mixture bubble and reduce for about 3 minutes until reduced by roughly half.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water and add it to the skillet. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet along with the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Toss everything together until the cheese melts and the pasta is well coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately, seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Keeping some pasta water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor, but drain excess oil beforehand.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes in step 5.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; substitute with dried if unavailable, but add earlier to bloom the flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
