Zesty Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken & Mozzarella Recipe

Vibrant flavors dance through this sun-dried tomato pasta with chicken that promises a delightful culinary journey.

Rich, tangy notes weave magic into every single bite of this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Tender chicken pieces mingle effortlessly with creamy mozzarella and robust sun-dried tomatoes.

The pasta captures those intense, bright ingredients perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Each forkful brings a burst of excitement that makes dinner feel like a special occasion.

Layers of herbs and seasoning elevate this simple yet sophisticated meal into something truly memorable.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly this restaurant-quality pasta comes together in your own kitchen.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken and Mozzarella Pasta

• Flavor Foundation

Sizzle garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, creating a fragrant base that will infuse the entire dish with rich Mediterranean essence.

• Chicken Preparation

Season chicken with bold spices, quickly searing to lock in juicy tenderness and develop a beautiful golden exterior.

• Pasta Harmony

Cook pasta to perfect al dente texture, saving a splash of starchy water to help create a silky sauce later.

• Sauce Magic

Combine half-and-half and creamy mozzarella in the skillet, gently coaxing the cheese into a luxurious, velvety sauce that hugs each pasta strand.

• Final Flourish

Fold tender chicken and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the pasta, sprinkling fresh basil and a hint of red pepper for a burst of vibrant flavor. Adjust seasoning to your taste, allowing the ingredients to mingle and dance together briefly before serving.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Tips & Substitutions

• Smart Tips & Twists
• Replace chicken with shrimp, salmon, or plant-based tofu for delicious protein alternatives that match the sauce's rich flavor profile.
• Toss in roasted zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts to increase nutrition and add extra texture and color to your pasta dish.
• Use chickpea, rice, or lentil pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta for a celiac-friendly or lower-carb version without compromising taste.
• Adjust red pepper flakes from a pinch to a tablespoon depending on your heat tolerance, letting each person customize their personal spice experience.

Serving This Pasta for Lunch or Dinner

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the dish's visual appeal and flavor.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, toasted Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy, flavorful sauce and create a complete meal.
• Add Side Salad: Complement the rich pasta with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy texture.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Enjoy with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the sauce.

Leftover Storage and Prep Ahead Info

• Maximize Meal Prep: Break down the recipe into components that can be prepared ahead of time. Chop garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in advance, store in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might thicken when chilled, so gently reheat with a splash of pasta water to restore original consistency.
• Freeze Smart: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Separate pasta and sauce before freezing to maintain best texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stovetop.
• Quick Lunch Strategy: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Keep basil and red pepper flakes separate until serving to prevent soggy herbs and maintain fresh flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella

• Garlic: Adds robust, punchy flavor that forms the flavor foundation of the dish, select fresh cloves with firm, smooth skin for maximum aroma.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides concentrated, tangy sweetness and deep umami complexity, choose plump, vibrant red tomatoes packed in olive oil for best texture.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and bright zesty kick, select fresh, bright red flakes for maximum spice impact.
• Basil: Delivers fresh, herbaceous notes that brighten the entire dish, opt for bright green leaves with no wilting.

• Chicken: Serves as the primary protein, creating substantial and satisfying meal, choose boneless, skinless breast for even cooking and lean texture.

• Half-and-Half: Creates luxurious, silky sauce base that helps melt cheese smoothly, select fresh dairy for richest flavor.
• Mozzarella: Provides creamy, stretchy texture and mild cheesy flavor, choose fresh, soft varieties for best melting quality.

• Olive Oil: Enables sautéing and adds subtle fruity undertone, select extra virgin for best flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall dish flavors, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and beautiful color to chicken, choose sweet or smoked variety based on preference.
• Pasta: Serves as foundational carbohydrate that absorbs delicious sauce, select short pasta like penne or rotini for better sauce retention.

Tools You’ll Want for This Savory Pasta Dish

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing garlic, cooking chicken, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping sun-dried tomatoes and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise cutting of tomatoes and any other ingredient prep.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Pasta Pot: Crucial for boiling and cooking pasta according to package instructions.
• Colander: Used for draining pasta and reserving some cooking water.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring salt, paprika, and spices.

Vibrant Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Chicken And Mozzarella Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta with chicken and mozzarella brings Mediterranean flavors to weeknight dinners. Hearty ingredients combine for a satisfying meal you can easily prepare in under 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins, sliced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (pre-shredded Mozzarella, not fresh)
• 8 oz (226 grams) penne pasta (gluten-free brown rice pasta for a gluten-free option)
• 1 cup half and half (or ½ cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk)
• 4 oz (113 grams) sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp basil
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more, as needed)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Flavor Infusion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 60 seconds to release aromatic essences.
2. Chicken Preparation: Season chicken breasts with kosher salt and smoked paprika, then sear at high temperature for 60-90 seconds per side until golden-brown.
3. Pasta Cooking: Prepare pasta according to package instructions, reserving starchy cooking liquid before draining.
4. Sauce Development: Return sun-dried tomatoes and chicken to skillet, pour half-and-half cream, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese, creating a luxurious sauce by gently heating and stirring until cheese melts.
5. Final Assembly: Combine pasta with creamy sauce, incorporating chopped basil leaves and red pepper flakes. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Finishing Touch: Perform final seasoning with additional salt and red pepper flakes, allowing the dish to simmer briefly for flavor integration.

Notes

• Control Oil Temperature: Prevent burning garlic by maintaining medium-high heat and removing immediately when fragrant.
• Chicken Searing Technique: Achieve perfect golden-brown exterior by using high heat and avoiding overcrowding in the skillet.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserved starchy liquid helps create silky, cohesive sauce and adjust consistency effortlessly.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Reduce heat while stirring to ensure smooth, velvety sauce without separating or burning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg