What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A rich garlic basil cream sauce smothered over homemade mozzarella chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, that’s what. This easy and quick family favorite dish is made with tender chicken and fresh basil. Save this idea for your next homemade pasta night.

Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Garlic Basil Cream Sauce and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Introduction

This Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Garlic Basil Cream Sauce and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a dish that embodies the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and simplicity. It’s a creative way to use everyday ingredients to create something truly impressive. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy garlic basil sauce, and the tang of sun-dried tomatoes, all wrapped around al dente pasta and topped with melted mozzarella, is a culinary delight that will leave you and your guests wanting more. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease of preparation, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With minimal effort, you can achieve a dish that tastes like it was prepared in a high-end restaurant.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors is key, with the richness of the cream sauce, the brightness of the basil, and the depth of the sun-dried tomatoes creating a harmonious taste experience. Plus, all the ingredients are easily accessible in most supermarkets.
• The ease of preparation is another significant advantage. The steps are straightforward, and the dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Despite the simplicity, the dish presents impressively. The melted mozzarella on top adds a touch of elegance, and the vibrant colors of the basil and sun-dried tomatoes make it visually appealing.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pasta of your choice (though penne or fusilli work particularly well with the sauce), fresh basil, garlic, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. For practical substitutions, you can use dried basil if fresh is not available, and half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter as a substitute for heavy cream. Sun-dried tomatoes can be replaced with fresh tomatoes cooked down to create a similar intense flavor, though the texture will differ slightly.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the basil, mince the garlic, slice the sun-dried tomatoes, and grate the mozzarella. Also, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest before slicing it into strips.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary, then add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add the chopped basil and cook for another minute, allowing the basil to wilt slightly and release its aroma. Then, add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until it starts to thicken. Finally, add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and stir them in.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic basil cream sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to the pasta, tossing gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. To serve, place the pasta mixture on a plate, top with grated mozzarella cheese, and place under the broiler for a minute or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Handy Tips

• When cooking the pasta, make sure to salt the water generously. This will improve the flavor of the pasta significantly.
• Don’t overcook the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter and ruin the dish.
• For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce as it simmers.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the chicken and simmering the cream sauce. For the chicken, ensure the heat is at a medium-high setting to achieve a nice brown on the outside, then reduce the heat to medium to cook it through without burning the outside. When simmering the cream sauce, keep the heat at a medium-low setting to prevent the cream from boiling over or separating. The sauce should simmer gently, reducing slightly and thickening over a few minutes.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the sun-dried tomatoes, which add a chewy texture, and the fresh basil, which provides a bit of freshness and crunch. To enhance the crunch, you can also top the dish with toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For easier cleanup, prepare all your ingredients before starting to cook, and clean as you go. This will save you a lot of time and hassle in the end.

Storage Tips

• The best way to store leftovers is to let the dish cool completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For reheating, add a bit of cream or milk to the sauce to restore its creaminess, then heat it gently over low heat, stirring frequently.
• While it’s possible to freeze the dish, the quality might suffer slightly, especially the texture of the cream sauce. However, if you choose to freeze it, make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it as described above.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a potluck or as a meal for a friend in need, consider packaging it in a decorative, microwave-safe container. You can top it with fresh basil and mozzarella, then wrap the container in a nice ribbon or place it in a gift bag with a few crusty breadsticks on the side.

Flavor Variations

• For a spicy kick, you can add some red pepper flakes to the cream sauce as it simmers.
• Consider adding other vegetables like sliced bell peppers or zucchini to the skillet with the garlic for added flavor and nutrients.
• Swapping the chicken for shrimp or scallops can add a different dimension to the dish, especially if you’re looking for a seafood option.

Troubleshooting

• If your cream sauce turns out too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of pasta water or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
• If you find that your chicken is not cooking evenly, make sure it’s not overcrowded in the skillet. Cook it in batches if necessary, to ensure each piece has enough room to cook properly.
• For overcooked pasta, there’s not much that can be done, but to avoid it, always check your pasta a minute or two before the package instructions suggest. It should have a bit of bite or chew to it.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, though the texture of the cream sauce might suffer slightly. It’s best to freeze it before adding the pasta and chicken, then assemble and reheat when needed.
• Is it gluten-free? The pasta is the only component that typically contains gluten. You can easily substitute it with gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, especially for the chicken and the sauce.

Conclusion

This Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Garlic Basil Cream Sauce and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a versatile and delicious dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and impressive presentation, it’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make it your own, and enjoy the process of cooking a meal that will surely become a favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to delight, and with the tips and variations provided, you’ll be well on your way to creating your own culinary masterpiece.