Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, paprika, and black pepper.
- Stir and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
3. Combine Everything:
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Add the fresh basil and stir to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until well combined.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
4. Serve:
- Garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Options: Try linguine, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.
- More Heat: Increase red pepper flakes for spice.
- Protein Swaps: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
