Description
Irresistible marry me chicken pasta promises flavor fireworks with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken that melts hearts. Romantic Italian-inspired comfort delivers a quick weeknight dinner guaranteed to spark connection and culinary passion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a flavorful seasoning blend of salt and freshly ground black pepper for the chicken breasts.
- Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a perfect searing environment for the chicken.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust and cook thoroughly, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and juicy.
- In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and sprinkle red pepper flakes to create a vibrant base for the sauce.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes to the liquid mixture, allowing them to infuse their rich, tangy flavor into the developing sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, letting it reduce and thicken for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy.
- While the sauce develops, cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Combine the pasta with the rich, creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage.
- Slice the reserved chicken into elegant strips and nestle them into the pasta mixture.
- Warm the entire dish for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
- Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, adding a bright, aromatic touch to the completed dish.
Notes
- Tenderize chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry edges.
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize the dish’s seasoning to personal taste preferences.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, diet-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
- Toast sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding to the sauce to enhance their rich, concentrated flavor profile and unlock deeper umami notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg