Creamy Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Chicken
Try this Creamy Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Chicken recipe.
Try this Creamy Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Chicken recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 teaspoon dry basil
- 4 garlic cloves peeled
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- creamy sauce
- 12 oz.extra broad egg noodles (i like no yolk)
- 1 pound chicken breasts pounded thin (optional)
- 1/3-1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- chicken breading (optional)*
- sundried tomato pesto
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained of oil
- 1 shallot, peeled
- 1 squash, sliced and quartered
- 1/2 cup heavy cream mixed with 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 14.5 oz fire roasted garlic diced tomatoes
- Carbohydrate 37.3789822387368 g
- Cholesterol 236.000000005072 mg
- Fat 54.8259068581013 g
- Fiber 3.33703839329393 g
- Protein 63.0078529851886 g
- Saturated Fat 15.0428697720248 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (588g)
- Sodium 1407.0822034742 mg
- Sugar 34.0419438454429 g
- Trans Fat 4.95886205924169 g
- Calories 895 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook the pasta al dente in generously salted water
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a cooking rack on top; lightly spray cooking rack with cooking spray.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Combine Chicken Breading ingredients in a bowl/shallow dish then dredge chicken breasts in mixture. Tap off any excess flour then add chicken to skillet and cook until golden brown on one side, 3-5 minutes.
- Flip and cook chicken until the other side is golden, 2-3 minutes, then transfer chicken to prepared cooking rack and finish baking in the oven, 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through (cooking time will depend on size and thickness of chicken).
- Broil chicken until crispy, flip chicken, top with Parmesan cheese and broil until cheese is golden.
- Meanwhile, add Sundried Tomato Pesto ingredients to a food processor and process until well blended.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat.
- Add Sundried Tomato Pesto and saute for 4 minutes.
- Add bell pepper and squash and saute an additional minute.
- Stir in chicken broth until well incorporated then stir in heavy cream/cornstarch slurry, milk, fire roasted tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and sugar.
- Bring sauce to a boil then reduce to simmer until thickened and vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Stir in cooked pasta.
- Add additional milk to reach desired consistency (optional).
- Taste and add additional salt, pepper, red pepper to taste.
- Top with chicken and serve.
A Weeknight Winner: Creamy Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the ever-present mountain of laundry, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's why recipes like this Creamy Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Chicken have become my weeknight lifesavers. It's a dish that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for those nights when you crave something flavorful and comforting without the extensive prep time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The sundried tomato pesto is bursting with vibrant flavor, a delicious contrast to the creamy sauce and tender chicken. I love using sun-dried tomatoes because they add a concentrated punch of sweetness and umami that elevates the entire dish. And the parmesan-crusted chicken? Pure bliss! It adds a wonderful salty, cheesy element that takes the dish to the next level. The combination of textures – the al dente pasta, the juicy chicken, the creamy sauce – is simply irresistible. This is a dish that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation, impressing even the pickiest eaters in your family.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust it to your liking. If you're not a fan of chicken, you could easily substitute it with shrimp, sausage, or even just leave it out entirely for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different vegetables, adding zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce. The possibilities are endless! The key is to have fun with it and tailor it to your taste preferences and what you have on hand. I often find myself making adjustments based on what’s fresh at the farmer’s market or what’s already in my pantry. That’s what makes cooking so enjoyable for me – the freedom to experiment and create something unique every time.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe also offers a sense of accomplishment. There's something undeniably rewarding about creating a beautiful and flavorful meal from scratch, especially after a long day. The aroma alone fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort, instantly transforming the atmosphere from rushed and stressed to relaxed and inviting. It's a small moment of self-care, a pause in the chaos, where I can connect with my family over a shared meal and appreciate the simple pleasure of good food. This isn’t just a dinner; it’s a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the little joys in life.
This recipe is more than just a quick weeknight dinner; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and thoughtful preparation. It’s a dish that nourishes not only the body but also the soul, reminding us that even amidst the whirlwind of daily life, we can find time to create something beautiful and delicious. So go ahead, give it a try. You won't be disappointed!
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste. Look for fresh, flavorful basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Add your favorite vegetables or proteins to personalize the dish.
- Make extra pesto: The sundried tomato pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used in other dishes like sandwiches, pizzas, or as a dip for vegetables.
This Creamy Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Chicken is a recipe that embodies the essence of comfort food – familiar flavors, simple preparation, and endless possibilities for customization. It's a dish that transcends the ordinary, transforming a simple weeknight dinner into a celebration of flavor and family. Try it, and you’ll see why it’s become one of my go-to meals!
