Chicken breastsor thighs – 2, boneless and skinless, for tender and juicy bites.
Salt and pepper – To season the chicken perfectly before searing.
For the Sauce
Garlic cloves – 3 mincedto infuse the sauce with a fragrant, savory base.
Sun-dried tomatoes – ½ cupfinely chopped, adding tangy, sweet notes.
Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoonfor a touch of herby goodness.
Heavy cream – 1 cupto create that irresistibly creamy texture.
Parmesan cheese – ¾ cupfreshly grated for rich, nutty flavor.
Olive oil – 2 tablespoonsfor sautéing and adding depth to the sauce.
For the Pasta
Pasta of choice – 8 ozfettuccine or penne works beautifully, cooked to al dente.
Pasta water – ½ cupreserved to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
For Garnish
Fresh basil – A handfulthinly sliced, for a vibrant and aromatic finish.
Extra Parmesan – Optionalbut highly recommended for serving.
Optional Add-Ins
Red chili flakes – A pinch for those who like a little heat.
Mushrooms – Sautéed for extra earthiness
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Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
Season: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Sauté: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, letting the flavors meld.
Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to create a smooth base. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Cook the Pasta:
Boil: While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Combine Everything:
Slice and Return: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the sauce.
Toss: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat every strand in the creamy sauce. If needed, stir in a bit of pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish: Top with freshly sliced basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Serve: Dish out immediately and watch the magic happen as everyone takes their first bite!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 540
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 620mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 34g
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients and brands used)