Description
A delightful one-pot pasta dish with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/3 cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the diced onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Allow to cook for 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add uncooked pasta and stir everything together.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is almost al dente.
- Return the partially cooked chicken to the pot, nestling it into the pasta. Continue simmering uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, then gradually add in the grated parmesan cheese while stirring continuously.
- Remove from heat when the sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Fold in most of the fresh basil, reserving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Allow the dish to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional grated parmesan and reserved basil.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust spices to taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg