SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA WITH CHICKEN AND CREAMY MOZZARELLA SAUCE

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Yield: 4 Servings

A lot of incredible flavors happen all at once in each bite of this spectacular pasta dish! The taste of the sun-dried tomatoes is the winner in this dish. A must-try recipe that you are going to love. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS :

• 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins, sliced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 c half and a half (or use 1/2 c heavy cream + 1/2 c milk)
• 1 tbsp basil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 8 ounces penne pasta (for gluten-free, use gluten-free brown rice pasta)
• 1/2 c reserved cooked pasta water or more
• 1 c mozzarella cheese, shredded (do not use fresh Mozzarella, use pre-shredded Mozzarella)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

DIRECTIONS :

1. Place a large skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium.
2. Add 2 tbsp of olive oil and allow it to become hot.
3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, then saute for 1 minute or until aromatic. Transfer onto a clean plate.
4. In the same skillet with the olive oil, add the chicken slices. Turn the heat to high, then cook for about a minute or until brown. Transfer onto a clean plate.
5. Refer to the directions provided on the package of the pasta on how to cook it. Set aside about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
6. Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into small cuts, then put them back into the skillet. Put the chicken back as well.
7. Add mozzarella cheese and half & half into the skillet, then stir until well blended. Allow the mixture to boil.
8. Turn the heat down to low, then cook the sauce for a few minutes until the texture becomes creamy.
9. Add the cooked pasta, then toss until well coated by the delicious sauce.
10. Add 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes and 1 tbsp of basil, then stir until well blended.
11. Add 1/2 cup of pasta water if the texture of the sauce is too thick.
12. Sprinkle more salt and red pepper flakes to season. Simmer for a few more minutes.
13. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

Calories 641 | Calories from Fat 216 | Fat 24g 37% | Saturated Fat 9g 56% | Cholesterol 117mg 39% | Sodium 700mg 30% | Potassium 1626mg 46% | Carbohydrates 62g 21% | Fiber 5g 21% | Sugar 12g 13% | Protein 43g 86% | Vitamin A 810IU 16% | Vitamin C 13.7mg 17% | Calcium 258mg 26% | Iron 3.9mg 22%