Campanelle with Chicken, Pesto, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Rate this recipe
Be the first to rate
By Published

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that will impress your family and friends?

Jump to recipePin it
Campanelle with Chicken, Pesto, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep
20 min
Cook
35 min
Total
2 hr 55 min
Servings
4

Method

  1. Place the chicken in a large glass or ceramic bowl and pour buttermilk over it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.

  2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk.

  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sprinkle seasoned salt on top. Cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

  4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, garlic, and butter to the skillet. Cook until soft, around 3 to 4 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and add half-and-half, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto. Simmer the mixture uncovered, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened, approximately 10 minutes.

  5. In the meantime, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the campanelle pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until it is tender yet firm to the bite, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta.

  6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet, along with the chicken, pine nuts, feta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything to coat it with the sauce and cook until heated through, around 3 more minutes.

  7. If you don't have buttermilk, you can mix 1 cup of milk

About this recipe

Campanelle with Chicken Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than Campanelle with Chicken Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes! This mouthwatering recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes for a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

The Perfect Pasta

Campanelle, also known as "little bells," is the perfect pasta shape for this dish. Its unique shape resembles a flower or a small bell, and its ridges hold onto the delicious pesto sauce, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor. The al dente texture of campanelle adds a satisfying chewiness to the dish, making it a joy to eat.

Succulent Chicken

What sets this recipe apart is the succulent chicken. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in a flavorful mixture of herbs and spices, then seared to perfection. The golden-brown, crispy exterior of the chicken contrasts beautifully with the creamy pesto sauce and the chewy pasta, creating a delightful combination of textures.

Flavorful Pesto

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the pesto sauce. Made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, the pesto is bursting with vibrant flavors. The fragrant basil adds a touch of freshness, while the garlic brings a subtle hint of spice. The pine nuts add a delightful crunch, and the Parmesan cheese provides a creamy richness. Combined with the pasta and chicken, the pesto creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

The Sun-Dried Tomato Twist

Adding sun-dried tomatoes to this dish takes it to a whole new level. The sun-dried tomatoes are tangy and slightly sweet, providing a burst of flavor with every bite. They add a depth of flavor that complements the pesto and chicken perfectly. Their chewy texture adds another layer of interest to the dish, making it even more enjoyable.

A Versatile Dish

Campanelle with Chicken Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. You can also customize this dish to your liking by adding other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers. The possibilities are endless!

A Crowd-Pleaser

Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a winner every time. Plus, it's so easy to make that you can whip it up in no time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

In Conclusion

Campanelle with Chicken Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a dish that combines the best of Italian flavors in one delicious pasta dish. The chewy campanelle pasta, succulent chicken, and flavorful pesto sauce create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Whether you're cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. So, grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a culinary delight that will transport you to the sunny shores of Italy.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While campanelle is recommended for this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto if you're short on time. However, homemade pesto will always have a fresher and more vibrant flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as roasted zucchini or sautéed mushrooms, to make it a vegetarian-friendly dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best when served immediately, you can make the pesto and cook the chicken in advance. Simply reheat the pesto and chicken before tossing them with the cooked pasta.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Unfortunately, this dish is best enjoyed fresh and doesn't freeze well due to the creamy pesto sauce. It's best to enjoy it immediately or refrigerate any leftovers for up to 2 days.

Can I add more cheese?

Of course! If you're a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top of the dish before serving.

Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes with fresh tomatoes?

While fresh tomatoes can be used as a substitute, they won't provide the same intense flavor as sun-dried tomatoes. If using fresh tomatoes, consider roasting them for a richer flavor.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! If you're not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with shrimp, grilled tofu, or even cooked sausage for a different twist.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

More pasta & grains

See all →