Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bow Tie Pasta
Indulge in the rich and flavorful world of Italian cuisine with this delightful Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bow Tie Pasta. This one-dish meal combines al dente bow tie pasta with tender grilled chicken breast strips, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce infused with garlic, shallots, and fresh pesto. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for two, this dish is both easy to prepare and irresistible in taste. Garnished with toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, it’s sure to impress your family or guests. Enjoy a delightful fusion of flavors that celebrates simplicity and satisfaction in every bite!
N/A
Servings
360
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked bow tie pasta
1 1/4 cups (Cook according to package directions.)
boiling water
1/2 cup (To rehydrate sun-dried tomatoes.)
chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup (Not packed in oil.)
chopped shallot
1 teaspoon (Chop finely.)
minced garlic
1 clove (Minced.)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (For sautéing.)
white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup (Choose preference.)
sliced ripe olives
2 tablespoons (Sliced.)
prepared pesto sauce
1 tablespoon (Store-bought or homemade.)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (Freshly ground.)
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons (For thickening the sauce.)
fat-free half-and-half
1/2 cup (For creamy texture.)
ready-to-serve grilled chicken breast strips
1 (6 ounce) package (Pre-cooked.)
shredded parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (For garnishing.)
pine nuts
2 teaspoons (Toasted for flavor.)
Instructions
1
Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a small bowl, combine the boiling water and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cover and let them steep for 5 minutes to rehydrate.
3
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
4
Add the white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth to the skillet along with the sliced olives, prepared pesto, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 additional minute to blend the flavors.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and fat-free half-and-half until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
6
Drain the rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the creamy sauce along with the drained pasta. Incorporate the ready-to-serve grilled chicken breast strips and heat through for about 2 more minutes.
7
To serve, sprinkle each plate with shredded parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts. Enjoy your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bow Tie Pasta with love!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
45g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bow Tie Pasta?
It is a rich and flavorful Italian-style one-dish meal combining bow tie pasta, grilled chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy pesto sauce.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of uncooked bow tie pasta, cooked until al dente.
How do you prepare the sun-dried tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be chopped and steeped in 1/2 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes to rehydrate them before use.
Should I use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil?
The recipe specifies using sun-dried tomatoes that are not packed in oil.
What aromatics are used for the base of the sauce?
The sauce starts with a sauté of finely chopped shallots and minced garlic in olive oil.
Can I substitute white wine in this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of reduced-sodium chicken broth as a substitute for white wine.
What kind of olives are included?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sliced ripe olives.
How is the creamy texture of the sauce achieved?
The creaminess comes from a mixture of fat-free half-and-half and all-purpose flour.
What type of chicken is recommended?
The recipe uses one 6-ounce package of ready-to-serve grilled chicken breast strips.
What are the recommended garnishes for this pasta?
The dish is garnished with shredded parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 360 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 9 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This pasta dish provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade prepared pesto sauce.
How long should I sauté the shallots and garlic?
They should be sautéed for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
What is the purpose of the flour?
The flour acts as a thickening agent when whisked with the half-and-half and brought to a boil.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
The sauce typically thickens after 1 to 2 minutes of boiling.
How much pesto is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of prepared pesto sauce.
Are the pine nuts raw or toasted?
The pine nuts should be toasted to enhance their flavor before serving.
What seasoning is used?
The dish is seasoned with 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 1 minced clove of garlic.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is described as a quick weeknight dinner or an easy weeknight meal.
When do I add the chicken to the skillet?
The chicken is added along with the rehydrated tomatoes and cooked pasta once the sauce has thickened.
How long do you heat the meal after all ingredients are combined?
Heat the combined ingredients for about 2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
How much olive oil is required for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
How much parmesan cheese is used for garnish?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of shredded parmesan cheese.
Is this dish suitable for guests?
Yes, the recipe description notes it is sure to impress family or guests with its fusion of flavors.
What is the amount of half-and-half needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of fat-free half-and-half.