Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pesto Pasta
Indulge in this delectable Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pesto Pasta, a perfect one-dish meal that's sure to impress family and friends alike. Tender chicken breasts, sautéed to golden perfection, are tossed with al dente pasta and enveloped in a luxurious creamy sauce made with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic basil pesto. This dish brings together a harmonious blend of flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve it with warm breadsticks for a complete and satisfying meal.
6
Servings
533
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
pasta
1 lb (Choose penne, linguini, or bow ties and cook according to package instructions)
boneless chicken breasts
3 (Pound to even thickness for uniform cooking)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (For sautéing the chicken)
butter
6 tablespoons (2 tablespoons for frying chicken, 4 tablespoons for sauce preparation)
sun-dried tomatoes
3 tablespoons (Chopped, packed in oil for best flavor)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (For seasoning the sauce)
heavy cream
2 cups (Use full-fat for creaminess)
grated parmesan cheese
1 cup (Freshly grated for better taste)
basil pesto
2 tablespoons (Store-bought or homemade)
shredded parmesan cheese
to garnish (For additional topping before serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.
2
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium heat until melted.
3
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 8-9 minutes on each side until they are beautifully brown and cooked through. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
4
After removing the chicken, pour out any excess drippings from the pan but do not wipe it clean. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet over medium heat.
5
Once the butter has melted, add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic powder, sautéing for 2 minutes to release their flavors.
6
Slowly incorporate the heavy cream and a dash of white pepper, stirring continuously. Let simmer for about 5-6 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken while stirring frequently.
7
Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and integrated. Then, introduce the basil pesto to the sauce, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until thick.
8
Stir in the sliced chicken only until heated through, about 3 minutes.
9
Serve the creamy chicken sauce over the hot pasta, garnished with shredded parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
10
Enjoy your delicious meal alongside warm breadsticks!
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
47g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pesto Pasta?
It is a one-dish meal featuring tender sautéed chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich sauce made from heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil pesto.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
You can use penne, linguini, or bow tie pasta for this dish.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 533 calories per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 30g of fat.
How much protein is in this chicken pesto pasta?
There is 20g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
The dish contains 47g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts?
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
How long do I cook the chicken?
Cook the chicken for about 8-9 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
What ingredients are in the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made with butter, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, heavy cream, white pepper, parmesan cheese, and basil pesto.
Should the sun-dried tomatoes be packed in oil?
Yes, using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provides the best flavor for this recipe.
Can I use store-bought basil pesto?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
What type of cream is recommended?
Full-fat heavy cream is recommended for the best creaminess.
Is parmesan cheese used in the sauce?
Yes, one cup of grated parmesan cheese is integrated into the sauce.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is a recommended side dish for this pasta?
Warm breadsticks are highly recommended as a side for this meal.
How do I season the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with garlic powder and a dash of white pepper.
Should I wipe the pan after cooking the chicken?
No, do not wipe the pan clean; just pour out excess drippings to retain the flavor for the sauce.
What is the suggested garnish for this dish?
Garnish with shredded parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Can I use different types of chicken?
The recipe specifies 3 boneless chicken breasts.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The cream mixture should simmer for about 5-6 minutes to thicken.
Is this a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a weeknight dinner.
What cuisine style is this dish?
This dish is categorized as Italian-inspired comfort food.
How much butter is used in total?
A total of 6 tablespoons of butter is used: 2 for the chicken and 4 for the sauce.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates no significant fiber content.
How do I ensure the pasta is cooked correctly?
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What are the primary flavors?
The primary flavors are basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy parmesan.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
While the recipe calls for olive oil to sauté the chicken, other neutral oils can be used if necessary.
Is there sugar in this dish?
The recipe data indicates no added sugar.
When do I add the cooked chicken back to the sauce?
Add the sliced chicken back to the sauce at the end and stir for about 3 minutes until heated through.