Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or preferred shape)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add more oil if needed and sauté onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat in sauce.
- Simmer for 2–3 more minutes, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for heat.
- Swap chicken with shrimp or Italian sausage.
- Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.
- Gluten-free pasta works well.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
- Not recommended for freezing due to cream-based sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg