5 Delicious Pasta Recipes with Chicken, Broccolini, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Imagine a world where every bite of pasta not only satiates your hunger but also fills you with joy. When we combine the creamy, succulent nature of chicken with the vibrant, fresh taste of broccolini and the tangy, chewy texture of sun-dried tomatoes, we unlock a universe of culinary delight. In this post, we dive into five exquisite pasta recipes that meld these key ingredients into dishes that are both comforting and gourmet.

1. Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccolini

If you’re craving something light yet packed with flavor, this is the perfect recipe. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients: Chicken breast, pasta, lemon, garlic, broccolini, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese.
• Method:
  1. Marinate chicken in lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook pasta to al dente.
  3. In a pan, sauté broccolini in olive oil until tender.
  4. Add the marinated chicken to the pan, cook until done.
  5. Toss in the pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and additional garlic.
  6. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

🔔 Note: Be sure to zest your lemon before juicing it, the zest adds a delightful zing to the dish!

2. Creamy Broccolini Alfredo with Chicken

This dish is rich, creamy, and indulgent, perfect for special occasions.

• Ingredients: Chicken, fettuccine, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, nutmeg, broccolini, sun-dried tomatoes.
• Method:
  1. Cook pasta to al dente.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare the Alfredo sauce by melting butter, adding garlic, then cream, and whisking in Parmesan until smooth.
  3. Add nutmeg for that extra layer of flavor.
  4. Cook chicken separately, slice it.
  5. Steam broccolini.
  6. Combine pasta, Alfredo sauce, chicken, broccolini, and sun-dried tomatoes.

3. Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Penne

Add some heat to your pasta with this fiery recipe:

• Ingredients: Penne, chicken thighs, chili flakes, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, broccolini, olive oil, basil, Pecorino cheese.
• Method:
  1. Boil penne to al dente.
  2. In a skillet, cook chicken thighs seasoned with chili flakes and garlic.
  3. Once chicken is cooked, add sun-dried tomatoes with some of their oil.
  4. Add broccolini, cooking until it’s bright green and tender.
  5. Mix everything with pasta, finish with fresh basil and Pecorino.

🚨 Note: If you're sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of chili flakes.

4. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken

Turn your pasta night into a vibrant, colorful affair with this pesto twist:

• Ingredients: Fusilli pasta, sun-dried tomatoes (soaked and drained), fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, chicken, broccolini.
• Method:
  1. Blend sun-dried tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil to make the pesto.
  2. Cook pasta and reserve some pasta water.
  3. In a pan, cook chicken, slice after cooking.
  4. Add broccolini, cook briefly.
  5. Mix pasta with pesto, chicken, broccolini, and adjust consistency with pasta water.

5. Chicken and Broccolini One-Pot Pasta

Perfect for when you want flavor without the hassle, this one-pot dish is a lifesaver:

• Ingredients: Chicken, penne pasta, broccolini, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil.
• Method:
  1. In a large pot, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil.
  2. Add chicken, cook until done.
  3. Stir in pasta, broccolini, and sun-dried tomatoes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and cook until pasta is tender.
  5. Uncover and let the sauce thicken.

In crafting these recipes, we've explored the dynamic interplay between chicken, broccolini, and sun-dried tomatoes, creating pasta dishes that are not only delectable but also visually appealing. From the zesty lemon garlic pasta to the rich and comforting Alfredo, each recipe brings out the best in these ingredients. Whether you're planning a family dinner or a special date night, these pastas are sure to impress. They highlight the versatility of simple ingredients, turning everyday meals into gourmet experiences with ease.

What makes broccolini different from broccoli?

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Broccolini is a hybrid between broccoli and Chinese broccoli (gai lan), which gives it longer, thinner stalks and smaller florets. It’s less bitter than regular broccoli and has a sweeter, more tender flavor.

Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes with fresh ones?

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Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but they won’t have the concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. Consider roasting fresh tomatoes at low heat for a similar effect.

What are some vegetarian alternatives for the chicken in these recipes?

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Options include mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas for added protein and texture. For a plant-based protein substitute, consider using tempeh or seitan.