Description
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting meal that combines tender chicken, smoky smoked turkey bacon, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and a creamy plant-based cheese sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this colorful and flavorful pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Fresh spinach and fragrant basil add vibrant freshness, creating a family-friendly dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Main Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped into small strips
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 4 oz plant-based cream cheese (cream cheese style)
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 4 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (natural)
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chop the smoked turkey bacon into small strips. Mince the garlic cloves and roughly chop the sun dried tomatoes. These preparations ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Sauté Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon pieces and cook until they become crispy and release their smoky aroma. Add chicken pieces and sauté for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sun dried tomatoes, stirring for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar (natural) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits. Stir in the plant-based cream cheese until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it.
- Combine Pasta and Greens: Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss gently so the sauce coats the pasta evenly and the spinach wilts slightly, adding vibrant color and freshness.
- Final Touches: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil (natural) over the top and give the dish one last gentle toss. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juicy results.
- Reserve pasta water to thin sauce naturally without diluting flavors.
- Cook smoked turkey bacon first to enhance smoky depth in the dish.
- Add spinach last to preserve its fresh color and texture.
- Add apple cider vinegar gradually, balancing brightness and tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: sun dried tomato chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta, creamy plant-based pasta, smoked turkey bacon pasta, weeknight dinner, dairy-free pasta
