Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Pasta and Chicken
01 -
1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into juicy bite-sized chunks
02 -
10 ounces penne pasta, any good quality brand works great
03 -
A good pinch of salt (about ½ teaspoon)
04 -
A few cracks of fresh black pepper (about ¼ teaspoon)
05 -
A generous glug of olive oil (1 tablespoon)
→ For the Creamy Sauce
06 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, the real deal
07 -
2 teaspoons fresh garlic, finely minced
08 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 -
2 cups good-quality chicken broth
10 -
1 cup heavy cream, room temperature works best
11 -
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
12 -
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
13 -
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
14 -
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
→ For Garnish
15 -
Fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
16 -
Extra parmesan cheese for sprinkling
# Instructions:
01 -
Get your pasta going first - bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne according to what the package says. Once it's al dente, drain it but save a cup of that starchy pasta water just in case you need it later for the sauce.
02 -
While the pasta's cooking, cut up your chicken into nice bite-sized pieces (about an inch each) and season them well with salt and pepper. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
03 -
Heat up your largest skillet over medium-high heat and add a good glug of olive oil. Once it's nice and hot, toss in your seasoned chicken pieces. Let them cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're golden brown and cooked through. Set them aside on a plate.
04 -
In the same pan (don't clean it - those chicken bits add flavor!), drop in your butter. Once it's melted and bubbling, add your minced garlic and let it work its magic for about 30 seconds until your kitchen smells amazing. Sprinkle in the flour and stir it around to make a paste.
05 -
Now comes the fun part - slowly pour in your chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Add the cream and parmesan, keeping everything moving until it's smooth and starting to thicken.
06 -
Toss in those beautiful sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed - trust your taste buds here!
07 -
Add your cooked chicken back to the pan along with the drained pasta. Stir everything together until every piece of pasta is coated in that gorgeous sauce. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water.
08 -
Plate it up while it's hot, scatter some fresh basil over the top, and finish with an extra shower of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest!
# Notes:
01 -
This dish got its name because it's so delicious, it might just prompt a marriage proposal!
02 -
The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tart punch that really makes this dish special
03 -
Perfect for date night or when you want to impress someone special