Creamy Pasta with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This creamy pasta with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes is made with a lighter creamy alfredo sauce and tossed with chicken and sweet sun-dried tomatoes.
This creamy pasta with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes is made with a lighter creamy alfredo sauce and tossed with chicken and sweet sun-dried tomatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pieces
- creamy garlic sauce (recipe below)
- 12 ounces whole wheat pasta (i used farfalle, aka “ bow tie” pasta)
- 1 jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped or julienned fresh basil, loosely-packed
- optional toppings: crushed red pepper flakes extra parmesan, toasted pine nuts
- 1 tablespoonâ butter or olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic pressed or minced
- 3 tablespoonsâ all-purpose flour
- 2 cups almond breeze original unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese
- Carbohydrate 2.08785333333333 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0323366666666667 g
- Fiber 0.140083327372869 g
- Protein 0.40115 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00588916666666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving (91g)
- Sodium 1.07716666666667 mg
- Sugar 1.94777000596046 g
- Trans Fat 0.00948416666666667 g
- Calories 9 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook pasta in a large stockpot of generously-salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta water is heating, begin making your cream sauce. (See instructions below).
- Once the sauce and pasta are cooked, toss them together with the chopped chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and half of the fresh basil until evenly combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh basil and optional toppings (if desired).
- Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour, and saute for an additional minute, stirring occasionally.
- Slowly add in the almond milk, whisking to combine until smooth. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer and thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted.
- Reduce heat to low until pasta reaches al dente and you are ready to toss the sauce with the pasta.
A Weeknight Winner: Creamy Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, sometimes the easiest option seems to be takeout or a quick, less-than-satisfying meal. But what if I told you that creating a restaurant-quality pasta dish doesn't have to be a time-consuming ordeal? This Creamy Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is my go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when I want something flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The creamy sauce, made with almond milk for a lighter touch, is incredibly rich and flavorful without being heavy. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and a touch of tang that perfectly complements the savory chicken. And the best part? You can customize it to your liking! Want to add some spinach for extra nutrients? Go for it! Feeling adventurous? Toss in some roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts. The possibilities are endless.
My Personal Touch: I always keep a jar of sun-dried tomatoes on hand because they add so much flavor to so many dishes. They’re like little bursts of sunshine in every bite! I also love using whole wheat pasta for a bit of added fiber. It doesn't change the taste significantly, but it makes me feel a little better about indulging in this incredibly delicious meal. The creamy garlic sauce is the star of this show, though. It's the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky goodness. And honestly, sometimes I even make extra sauce to have on hand for other meals during the week. It's that versatile.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients and efficient cooking techniques. It’s a reminder that nourishing yourself doesn't have to be a complicated process. It’s about finding joy in creating something delicious and feeling good about what you're eating. So next time you’re short on time but craving a truly satisfying dinner, give this Creamy Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. It's a weeknight lifesaver, a crowd-pleaser, and a delicious reminder that even the busiest of lives can still accommodate a home-cooked meal that tastes like a million bucks.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Prep Ahead: Chop your chicken and vegetables beforehand to save time on busy weeknights.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your pasta al dente for the best texture.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a little more almond milk. If it's too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil is key to this dish – don't skimp on it!
- Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings, like crushed red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts, or extra Parmesan cheese.
This recipe is a celebration of simple pleasures – a comforting meal made with love, savored slowly, and shared with those you cherish. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time for a delicious, home-cooked meal. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating.
Serving Suggestions: This pasta is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would complement the richness of the pasta perfectly.
Enjoy!
