Description
Succulent marry me chicken pasta tempts with irresistible Italian-inspired flavors that promise culinary romance. Creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken create a passionate meal sure to enchant you at first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
Pasta:
- 10 ounces penne pasta
Seasonings:
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
Cooking Fat:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare penne pasta according to package directions at al dente, then drain and reserve.
- Thoroughly season chicken pieces with salt and ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, approximately 375°F, and sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest while maintaining skillet heat.
- Reduce skillet temperature to medium-low and melt butter, then add minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Sprinkle flour into the skillet, stirring continuously for 60 seconds to create a roux, preventing any burning.
- Gradually pour chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking consistently to create a smooth, velvety sauce without lumps.
- Incorporate parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning, stirring until sauce thickens and develops rich flavor, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious sauce.
- Add reserved pasta to the skillet, tossing carefully to ensure even sauce distribution.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving immediately.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or using shrimp for seafood lovers.
- Reduce calories by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and choosing whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
- Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free pasta.
- Enhance meal prep by cooking extra chicken and sauce, which can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for quick future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 519 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 394 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 106 mg