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Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella

A one-dish wonder featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and al dente penne pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Protein
  • 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins (sliced) Sliced for quick cooking
  • 8 oz penne pasta Use gluten-free brown rice pasta for gluten-free option
Sauce Components
  • 1 cup half and half Or 1/2 cup heavy cream + 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) Use pre-shredded for best results
  • 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes Adds rich flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) For flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Plus additional to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika Adds a hint of smokiness
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes For a little heat
  • 1 tablespoon basil Fresh or dried, adds aroma
  • 1/2 cup reserved cooked pasta water Helps adjust sauce consistency
Cooking Oils
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt and paprika, then add it to the skillet. Cook until golden and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Creating the Sauce
  1. Stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Reduce heat to low. Pour in half and half (or cream mixture) and bring to a gentle simmer, mixing well. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix well. Add mozzarella cheese and continue to stir until melted and well incorporated.
  2. Toss in basil and red pepper flakes for added flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
Serving
  1. Divide the creamy pasta onto plates and serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fresh sun-dried tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella. Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy. Experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.