Description
Succulent marry me chicken pasta promises culinary romance with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken. Parmesan-coated chicken nestled over perfectly twirled pasta invites you to savor each luxurious, flavor-packed bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious pot and warm olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast seasoned with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
- In the same pot, sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic turns slightly golden, releasing deep, rich flavors.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency, maintaining a slight firmness.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken to the pot. Pour heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese melts and sauce transforms into a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Incorporate fresh chopped basil and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to balance flavors perfectly.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a generous Parmesan cheese sprinkle for a restaurant-quality presentation.
Notes
- Perfectly sear chicken by ensuring the pot is hot before adding meat to achieve a golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor and creates a delightful texture.
- Adjust cream sauce consistency by gradually adding pasta cooking liquid if the mixture becomes too thick, creating a smooth, silky texture that coats every pasta strand.
- Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, and using gluten-free pasta to make it celiac-friendly.
- Enhance meal prep by preparing extra chicken and sauce ahead of time, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals that taste just as delicious reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 684
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 763mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 73g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 124mg