Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken

Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken

by | Nov 28, 2023 | FEATURE RECIPE | 0 comments

Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

with Chicken

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Weeknight cooking may seem daunting at times when trying to juggle feeding your family, appointments and activities.  It doesn’t have to be complicated, some of the best dishes are quick and simply. Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken is a fantastic combination of garlic, sun-dried tomato pesto and cream.   This gloriously creamy pasta dish is a perfect family meal yet delicious enough for company. 

I enjoy boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe but you can easily use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead if that is your preference.  Shrimp is also a fantastic combination as well. Or skip the protein all together for a great meatless meal option. Using store bought sun-dried tomato pesto helps to make this recipe quick and easy.  There are plenty of brands out there to choose from and I cannot say that one is better than the other is, so find one you like and keep it at the ready.  You’ll want this gorgeous dish on repeat!!

Author:  Compelled to Cook

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Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces fettuccine
  • 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs 3-4 depending on size
  • as needed salt & pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup white wine
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato pesto
  • as needed freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions in well-salted water. Drain well, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  • While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through. About 5-6 minutes per side.
  • Remove the chicken to a clean dish and cover it with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
  • To the same skillet add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes over low heat.
  • Deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping up the browned bits left in the pan and allow the wine to reduce slightly.
  • Add chicken broth, stir and reduce for 1-2 minutes.
  • Stir in heavy cream and reduce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Add sun-dried tomato pesto and stir over low heat until combined. Remove from heat.
  • Slice cooked chicken into strips.
  • Add chicken and pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a generous splash of pasta water. Toss to combine well over low heat.
  • Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Potato Crusted Halibut

Potato Crusted Halibut

by | Oct 9, 2018 | FISH & SEAFOOD, GLUTEN FREE | 0 comments

Prefer gluten free, but want crispy, golden panfried fish?  Potato Crusted Halibut is a lovely, light entree that’s not only gluten free but a quick and easy weeknight meal that satisfies crispy cravings. 

Potato flakes are a great alternative to bread crumbs or cracker crumbs in most instances.  They fry up crisp just like bread crumbs, are neutral in taste and can take on herbs and spices, letting the flavour of your fish shine.  For this recipe I used thin halibut fillets that cooked up flaky in minutes.  I also served the Potato Crusted Halibut with my Tomato Relish, which is a wonderful, fresh accompaniment.

One of my goals for this blog was to showcase how potato flakes can be used as a coating/breading but also to point out that it’s not limited to fish or breading for that matter.  It can be used most places that bread crumbs are used like breaded chicken cutlets, meatballs, salmon cakes or thickening soup like my Broccoli Cheddar Soup So maybe you’re looking for gluten free, or maybe just want a change? Remember potato flakes are for more than just mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Recipe source for Potato Crusted Halibut:  Compelled To Cook

Potato Crusted Halibut
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    4 people 15 minutes
    Cook Time
    6 minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    4 people 15 minutes
    Cook Time
    6 minutes
    Potato Crusted Halibut
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      4 people 15 minutes
      Cook Time
      6 minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      4 people 15 minutes
      Cook Time
      6 minutes
      Ingredients
      Servings: people
      Instructions
      1. Pat fish fillets dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
      2. Whisk eggs together in a shallow bowl.
      3. Add potato flakes to a separate shallow bowl and season with dried herbs if desired, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper.
      4. Heat olive oil in a medium size non stick skillet until hot over medium heat.
      5. Dunk one fish fillet into eggs to coat evenly, then place into potato flakes. Flip to coat evenly on both sides. Add to hot pan and repeat with remaining fish fillets. Panfry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Remove from pan and serve immediately with Tomato Relish or your favourite tartar sauce.
      Recipe Notes

      -Be sure to use potato flakes and not the ground potato meal as typically used for boxed instant mashed potatoes.  I found the potato flakes at my local bulk barn.

      -Serve with Tomato Relish

      -The thickness of your halibut may vary from mine, which were on the thinner side.  Thicker fillets may require 30-60 seconds more cooking per side.