Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Mozzarella & Tomatoes
A rich, velvety chicken pasta dish inspired by classic Italian flavors, this recipe showcases sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and basil wrapped in a luscious mozzarella cream sauce. Subtle notes of red pepper flakes and paprika elevate the flavor, creating a deeply satisfying, comforting meal.
Print Recipe
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese pre-shredded, not fresh
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water adjust as needed
- 8 oz penne pasta substitute with gluten-free brown rice pasta if preferred
- ¼ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes drained
- 1 cup half-and-half or substitute with ½ cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil reserved from sun-dried tomato jar
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and drained sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 minute, until the garlic releases its aroma. Remove the tomatoes from the pan, leaving the oil behind.
- Season the chicken slices lightly with salt and paprika. Increase the heat to high and sear the chicken for 1 minute per side in the infused oil. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some of the cooking water before draining.
- Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces and return them to the skillet along with the cooked chicken. Pour in the half-and-half and add the shredded mozzarella. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and a smooth, creamy sauce develops.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir thoroughly to coat. Sprinkle in the basil and red pepper flakes, mixing well.
- If the sauce appears overly thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water, adding only as much as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Let the pasta simmer briefly to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Use only pre-shredded mozzarella; avoid fresh mozzarella packed in brine or water.
If unavailable, substitute half-and-half with equal parts milk and heavy cream.
Ensure the dish is seasoned adequately to enhance the sun-dried tomatoes and basil.
If unavailable, substitute half-and-half with equal parts milk and heavy cream.
Ensure the dish is seasoned adequately to enhance the sun-dried tomatoes and basil.