Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any preferred pasta)
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 tsp salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and the pasta.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it reduce slightly (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- If needed, add some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil, stir, and remove from heat.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1½ cups per serving)
- Calories: ~620 kcal
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~750mg
- Fat: ~35g
- Saturated Fat: ~15g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~18g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~40g
- Cholesterol: ~120mg
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