Description
A delightful and creamy pasta dish infused with vibrant flavors, perfect for any family gathering or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/3 cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden but not completely cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- If needed, add a little more oil to the pot. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Follow with the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute to marry the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add the uncooked pasta and stir to ensure it is well coated.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost al dente.
- Nestle the partially cooked chicken back into the pot, allowing for 2-3 minutes of extra cooking until fully cooked through.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest. Gradually sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the pasta.
- Incorporate most of your fresh basil (saving some for garnish), then taste and adjust with salt and pepper as desired.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes, then garnish with extra parmesan and reserved basil before serving!
Notes
Marinate the chicken for enhanced flavor and adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg