Description
A delicious and creamy chicken penne pasta dish that is easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Add chicken in a single layer and sear without moving for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Sprinkle flour over the butter and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent clumping, then add heavy cream. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning to the sauce. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 2 minutes.
- Toss in the drained pasta and stir until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- This dish can be customized by adding vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms.
- For added heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg