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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Shredded Chicken Pasta

sun-dried tomato basil shredded chicken pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy pasta dish featuring shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta (gluten-free pasta optional)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter/dairy-free option)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (use oil from sun-dried tomatoes if packed in oil)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9–11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  2. If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach or roast chicken breasts until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Let cool slightly, then shred finely using two forks or a mixer.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir and let simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  5. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Add shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta evenly and warm chicken through. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil.
  8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil leaves for garnish.

Notes

Shred chicken while warm for best texture. Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor. Avoid browning garlic to prevent bitterness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add fresh basil at the end to preserve brightness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: sun-dried tomato pasta, shredded chicken pasta, creamy pasta, basil pasta, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-sun-dried-tomato-and-basil-shredded-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-and-delicious/