Drop Dead Fabulous Chicken, Artichoke, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

I can still picture it: my first apartment, a tiny studio with a mismatched collection of thrift store furniture. Money was tight, but my friends and I were determined to eat well. That’s when I stumbled upon a recipe that transformed our weeknight dinners. The vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, the creamy sauce clinging to perfectly cooked pasta, the savory chicken – it was pure comfort on a plate. This dish became our go-to celebration meal, a reminder that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 1 rotisserie-cooked chicken (shredded and free of bones and skin)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 1/2 lb penne pasta
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 (7 1/2 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• 2 (6 ounce) jars marinated artichoke hearts (drained and quartered)
• 1/2 cup basil
• 1/2 cup parsley
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Large skillet

Instructions

1. Begin by boiling the penne pasta according to the package directions. You’ll want to cook it until it’s al dente, meaning it has a slight bite to it. Drain the pasta well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later, if needed.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to hold all the ingredients later.

3. Add the chopped green onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them until they are softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

4. Add the shredded chicken, drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and drained and quartered artichoke hearts to the skillet. Stir everything together until the chicken is heated through, about 3-5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

6. Let the sauce simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld even further. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

7. Finally, pour the sauce over the cooked al dente pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the delicious sauce.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Pre-shredded chicken shortcut: To save time, purchase pre-shredded rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store.
• Spice it up: For a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Fresh herbs are key: Using fresh basil and parsley really elevates the flavor of this dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
• Parmesan power: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Make ahead magic: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently before adding the pasta.
• Pasta perfection: Avoid overcooking the pasta! Al dente pasta holds its shape better and has a more satisfying texture.
• Reviving dried-out chicken: If your rotisserie chicken seems a little dry, try adding a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the skillet while heating it through. The moisture will help to rehydrate the chicken.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Drop Dead Fabulous Chicken, Artichoke, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta immediately. Garnish with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped basil and parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of elegance.

To store leftovers, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the pasta. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1243.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	669 g	54%
Total Fat	74.3 g	114%
Saturated Fat	36.1 g	180%
Cholesterol	305.6 mg	101%
Sodium	1570.2 mg	65%
Total Carbohydrate	90 g	29%
Dietary Fiber	18.2 g	72%
Sugars	21.5 g	85%
Protein	63.4 g	126%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free penne pasta.
• Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce the fat content. You can also use a lighter cream cheese (Neufchatel) in place of some of the cream for a tangier flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add more artichoke hearts or other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Seasonal Twist: In the spring, add some fresh asparagus or peas. In the fall, try adding roasted butternut squash or pumpkin.
• Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses for an even richer flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use marinated sun-dried tomatoes instead of plain?
A: Yes, you can, but be mindful of the added oil and sodium. You may want to reduce the amount of olive oil you use in the recipe.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the cooked pasta just before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as fettuccine, linguine, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What if my sauce is too thick?
A: Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water or a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing and the pasta may become mushy.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Drop Dead Fabulous Chicken, Artichoke, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta a try! It’s a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. I’d love to hear your feedback and any variations you create! Serve this alongside a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite white wine for a truly memorable meal. Happy cooking!