Garlic Chicken, Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Juicy boneless chicken breasts are paired with a creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce, served over bow tie pasta and topped with grated Parmesan. This dish offers a rich, savory flavor profile with a hint of sweetness from the sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for a comforting and impressive meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add crushed garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add sun dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce by mixing Knorr Alfredo Sauce Mix with 1 1/2 cups milk and 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, following package instructions.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with garlic and sun dried tomatoes, stirring to combine and heat through.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts and add to the sauce.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken, tossing to coat.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use whole wheat bow tie pasta. You can also add spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients. If you don't have sun dried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes sautéed with a bit of balsamic vinegar can work as a substitute. To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier dinner, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or roasted asparagus. This recipe is a delightful addition to your collection of Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring often to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic Chicken, Sun Dried Tomato Pasta contains roughly 302 calories, with 18g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. At about 302 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta fresh to ensure the best texture. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
What can I substitute for Alfredo sauce mix?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple Alfredo sauce using butter, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Melt 1/4 cup of butter, add 1 cup of cream, and simmer until thickened, then stir in cheese until melted. This gives a fresh taste to the dish.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is used in this recipe, you can substitute it with penne, fettuccine, or even whole grain pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose for best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).