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+ servings
A bowl of creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, a delicious rice bowls recipe.

The Only Rice Bowls Recipes Recipe You’ll Need (2025)

This recipe offers a versatile and delicious meal solution, perfect for busy parents and home cooks. It caters to multiple dietary restrictions, making it suitable for families with celiac disease, diabetes, or other food sensitivities.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning or your favorite blend
For the Pasta
  • 4 tbsp salted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 12 oz dry shortcut pasta
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes optional
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese cubed
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh Italian basil chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes (if using) and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in the milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cubed cream cheese and whisk until smooth and melted. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy.
  5. Return the cooked chicken and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Let the pasta rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
  8. Serve the pasta bowls topped with fresh chopped basil.

Notes

This recipe is a base that can be customized. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins. For a gluten-free option, use your preferred gluten-free pasta. For a diabetes-friendly approach, consider using whole wheat pasta or a legume-based pasta and be mindful of portion sizes.

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