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Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

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4.2 from 40 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delightful 30-minute meal combining tender, seasoned chicken strips with a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a kick of red pepper flakes. Tossed with your favorite pasta and garnished with fresh basil, this dish offers a comforting yet vibrant flavor profile perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite kind)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)

Garnish

  • Fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set both aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, season them with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and completely cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Cook Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow their flavors to infuse the butter and garlic.
  5. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, then let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
  6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir well to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
  7. Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
  8. Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, but sauce thickness may vary.
  • You can use any pasta shape you like; penne and spaghetti work especially well.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide richer flavor, but drain well to avoid excess oiliness.
  • Fresh basil adds a bright herbal note—feel free to add extra for garnish or stir into the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

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Find it online: https://therecipeshome.com/spicy-chicken-creamy-pasta-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-recipe-2/