Description
A luxurious yet simple one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced (oil-packed, drained)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for finishing
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Sear the chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium, add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until fragrant, about 45–60 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, stirring to lift the fond; let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
- Return seared chicken to the pan, cover partially, and simmer until pasta is al dente, about 12–14 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Remove from heat, fold in basil and parsley, and finish with lemon zest if using. Plate immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Serve on warmed plates for an elegant presentation. For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg