Description
A delightful pasta dish with tender chicken and a creamy sauce that’s perfect for romantic dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ onion, finely minced
- 3 sun-dried tomato halves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pat dry the chicken breasts and rub half of the spice mix onto both sides.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute.
- Combine the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, incorporating the remaining spices. Let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix the pasta: Toss the cooked penne into the creamy sauce along with the grated parmesan cheese. Use reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Finish with chicken: Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of the pasta.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh basil and additional parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spice mix for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy sauce, romantic dinner, easy dinner, one pot meal