Description
An impressive yet easy dish featuring tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and delicious penne pasta, perfect for date nights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to get rid of any lumps.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, whisking to keep the mixture smooth. Stir until thickened. Add the parmesan and mix until melted.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, then toss it into the sauce until completely coated.
- Top the dish with fresh chopped basil and serve immediately while it’s still hot and creamy.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for better flavor. You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, Italian recipe, date night dinner, easy meal