Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Your 30-Minute Weeknight Wonder
Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes is the ultimate answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma, coming together in just 30 minutes. This incredibly satisfying dish features tender, succulent chicken pieces, vibrant fresh spinach, fragrant herbs, and the intense burst of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a luxurious, creamy sauce, perfectly coating your favorite pasta. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and remarkably quick meal that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
I recently experienced a profound realization about just how much I adore sun-dried tomatoes, especially when incorporated into pasta dishes. Their concentrated, sweet-tart, and intensely savory flavor profile adds an unparalleled depth and brightness that elevates any meal they touch.
This culinary revelation first struck me when I whipped up this fantastic Pesto Pasta with Green Beans, Sun-dried Tomatoes and Toasted Pine Nuts for a gathering of friends. The dish was an instant hit, and we found ourselves reminiscing about its deliciousness for weeks afterward. The little bursts of flavor from those dried tomatoes were simply unforgettable.
And now, the magic has happened again with this incredible Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes, and frankly, I’m completely hooked. There’s an undeniable allure to these small, flavor-packed gems that infuse every bite with a delightful sweetness and a touch of savory umami. They don’t just add flavor; they bring a lively brightness that awakens the palate and beautifully complements the richness of cheese and a creamy sauce.
In this recipe, all the elements harmoniously converge to create a perfectly balanced dish. The creamy sauce clings to every strand of pasta and piece of tender chicken, ensuring a burst of flavor in each mouthful. The sun-dried tomatoes are pivotal here, providing a vibrant contrast to the mild mozzarella and rich cream.
To further enhance its freshness and aromatic appeal, our Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes is generously finished with a scattering of fresh basil and parsley. You simply can’t underestimate the power of a few handfuls of fresh herbs to brighten and round out a dish!
If you’re a fellow pasta enthusiast, you might also enjoy exploring other delicious recipes like this Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Recipe, Shrimp Pesto Pasta, Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta or this Chickpea Pasta Recipe with Feta. Each offers a unique and satisfying pasta experience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Pasta
Crafting this delightful Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes relies on a few key components, each playing a crucial role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. For the precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located further down the page.
- Pasta: This recipe calls for a medium-shaped pasta, which I find pairs beautifully with the diced chicken and creamy sauce, allowing all the flavors to intertwine perfectly. Options like penne, fusilli, rotini, or orecchiette work wonderfully. However, don’t hesitate to use your absolute favorite pasta shape; the key is to cook it al dente for the best texture.
- Chicken: We use chicken tenderloins in this recipe for their inherent tenderness and quick cooking time. They absorb the seasonings and cook up beautifully. Alternatively, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed into bite-sized pieces, are excellent substitutes. Just remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Vibrant Vegetables: The stars of our vegetable cast are the sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, which provide a concentrated burst of Mediterranean flavor, and fresh spinach, wilting down to add a touch of earthiness and vibrant color. Feel free to experiment with other quick-cooking vegetables like chopped broccoli florets, fresh green beans, or colorful bell peppers to enhance the nutritional value and complexity of your dish.
- Aromatic Spices: Our simple yet effective spice mixture consists of fragrant paprika, which lends a subtle warmth and beautiful hue, and crushed red pepper flakes, offering a customizable kick of heat. Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your preference, from a mild hint to a fiery burst. These spices beautifully complement the chicken and creamy sauce.
- Melted Cheese: Grated mozzarella cheese is the foundation of our creamy sauce, chosen for its mild flavor and exceptional melting capabilities, creating a wonderfully smooth and stretchy texture. For those looking to explore different flavor profiles, consider adding a sprinkle of tangy goat cheese, salty feta cheese, or a bold pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Elevating Your Dish: Essential Ingredients Spotlight
Understanding each ingredient’s contribution is key to mastering this dish. Olive oil provides a rich base for sautéing, while minced garlic is the aromatic backbone, infusing the oil with its pungent, irresistible scent before any other ingredient even hits the pan. The choice of half-and-half (or cream) is crucial for achieving that silky, decadent sauce that makes this pasta so comforting. Fresh basil and parsley aren’t just garnishes; they provide a burst of fresh, peppery, and sweet notes that cut through the richness and leave a lasting impression.
How to Make This Irresistible Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes
Creating this flavorful pasta dish is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple steps to bring a delicious, restaurant-quality meal to your table in no time.
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection: Begin by cooking your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. This ensures the pasta retains a slight bite and doesn’t become mushy when combined with the sauce. Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water; this liquid gold will be your secret weapon for achieving the ideal sauce consistency later. Once drained, briefly rinse the pasta under cold water to prevent it from sticking together and halt the cooking process, then set it aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken for Maximum Flavor: In a small bowl, combine the salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fragrant paprika. These spices will enhance the chicken’s natural flavor and add a beautiful color. Thoroughly rub the chicken tenders (or cubed chicken breasts) with this spice mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Set the seasoned chicken aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables & Chicken to Build the Flavor Base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and the tomatoes soften slightly, releasing their concentrated flavors. Next, add the seasoned, cubed chicken to the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and is lightly golden brown. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any flavorful drippings in the pan.
Step 4: Craft the Creamy, Dreamy Sauce: Using the same skillet – those browned bits at the bottom are full of flavor! – reduce the heat to low. Add the crushed red pepper (adjust to your spice preference), half and half (or heavy cream for a richer sauce), and the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously as the sauce gently simmers, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken beautifully. If you find the sauce too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts down, which typically takes about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Serve: Once your creamy sauce is perfected and the spinach has wilted, return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh chopped basil and parsley, additional shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese, and an extra sprinkle of crushed red pepper if desired for an added kick.
Expert Tips for the Best Mozzarella Chicken Pasta
Customizing Your Creamy Pasta
- Protein Power-Ups: While chicken is fantastic, consider swapping it for cooked shrimp for a seafood twist, or even browned Italian sausage for a heartier meal. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with cannellini beans or roasted chickpeas.
- Veggie Boost: Don’t limit yourself to spinach! Sautéed mushrooms, roasted asparagus, or even zucchini noodles (added at the end) can make wonderful additions.
- Cheese Variations: Smoked gouda or provolone can offer a deeper, more complex flavor profile than mozzarella. A touch of grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan at the end adds a salty, umami kick.
- Spice Level: If you love heat, increase the crushed red pepper. For a milder version, omit it entirely or use just a tiny pinch.
- Sauce Richness: For an extra decadent sauce, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half. If you’re looking to lighten it up slightly, low-fat milk can be used, but note that the sauce will be less creamy.
Perfecting Your Pasta Technique
- Al Dente is Key: Always cook your pasta to al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce, ensuring it’s not overcooked and mushy.
- Don’t Skimp on Pasta Water: That reserved pasta water is invaluable! Its starch content helps the sauce emulsify and cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Melt Cheese Gradually: Add shredded cheese in batches and stir constantly on low heat to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating for Mozzarella Chicken Pasta
This Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for meal prepping or enjoying the next day. To keep your pasta fresh and delicious, store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures its quality and safety.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is simple. For the best results, gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or even a bit more reserved pasta water to rehydrate the sauce and bring back its creamy consistency, as pasta tends to absorb liquids during refrigeration. Stir frequently until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, using short intervals and stirring between each to prevent uneven heating and drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance and store them separately. Cook the pasta just before serving and combine all ingredients for optimal texture and flavor. Reheat the sauce gently and add cooked pasta and chicken, along with a splash of liquid if needed.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
You can use either oil-packed or dry sun-dried tomatoes. If using dry, rehydrate them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and adding to the dish. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes can be used directly, and a tablespoon of the oil from the jar can even add extra flavor to your skillet.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper, which provides a mild warmth. You can easily adjust this to your preference: omit it entirely for no spice, or increase the amount for a bolder kick.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and nutrients. Just be mindful of overcrowding the pan during sautéing.
More Irresistible Pasta Recipes to Try
Pork
Spicy Sausage Pasta
Vegetarian
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
Chicken
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Pasta
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
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Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes
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Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta, medium shaped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pound chicken tenders, cubed {or 2 chicken breasts cubed}
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper , {more or less for spice}
- 1/2 cup half and half, {or cream}
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups spinach, tightly packed
- 1/2 cup basil , chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese, to garnish
- Crushed red pepper, to garnish
- Parmesan cheese, to garnish
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to the package. Once the pasta is done cooking reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Rinse the pasta under cold water and set aside.
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In a small bowl combine the salt, pepper and paprika and rub the chicken tenders with the spices. Set aside.
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In a large skillet heat the 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cubed chicken and continue cooking until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet dd the crushed red pepper, half and half, shredded mozzarella cheese and let simmer on low until the sauce thickens up, continuing to stir while it cooks. If you want to thin it at all add the reserved pasta water.
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Add the spinach stir and let simmer until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the pasta, chicken in and mix well. Garnish with parsley and basil, freshly shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper.
Notes
- Feel free to use chicken breasts if you prefer.
- This dish also tastes great with other cheeses like smoked gouda.
- If you want to add additional vegetables try green beans or zucchini.
- If you want to cut some of the fat out try milk instead of cream or half and half but it will not be as creamy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.