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Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta: A Flavorful Date Night Delight

This Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for date nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 plates
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto
  • 1 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (in oil) Adds concentrated tomato flavor
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh preferred
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Substitute with dried basil if necessary
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Use vegan for lactose-free
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked is best
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Powder/Red Pepper Flakes Optional for heat
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Extra virgin is ideal
For the Chicken
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour can substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning Can swap with Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Offers a smoky flavor without heat
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts Chopped into bite-sized pieces
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 8 ounces Pasta (any shape) Penne or fettuccine works well
  • 4 ounces Pancetta Bacon is an acceptable substitute
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Can use olive oil for a lighter option
  • 1/2 cup Pinot Grigio Wine Sub with white wine vinegar for non-alcoholic
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Plant-based cream can substitute
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock Homemade recommended
  • 2 tablespoons Reserved Dredge Flour To thicken the sauce
To Serve
  • 1 loaf Crusty Bread Pairs wonderfully with the dish

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander
  • shallow dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes (with their oil), fresh garlic, basil, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture reaches a chunky consistency—about 20–30 seconds.
  2. In a shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour with creole seasoning, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and coat them lightly in the seasoned flour.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8–12 minutes. Drain, retaining a cup of the cooking water.
  4. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the dredged chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. In the same skillet, add pancetta and cook for about 3–4 minutes until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet over medium heat, whisk in reserved flour, then add Pinot Grigio, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Bring to a low boil, allowing it to thicken for about 3–4 minutes.
  7. Stir the sun-dried tomato pesto into the sauce until well incorporated. Add pasta, sautéed chicken, and pancetta, tossing to coat.
  8. Plate the dish, garnishing each serving with additional parmesan and black pepper if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Make extra pesto for sandwiches or roasted veggies, and store in the fridge for up to a week.

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