Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta (or pasta of choice)
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips.
  4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
  6. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top and toss again to combine everything well.
  7. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Tips:

  • For extra flavor: You can marinate the chicken for an hour with garlic, lemon juice, and a little olive oil before cooking.
  • If you want more heat: Add a bit more red pepper flakes to the sauce or top with a drizzle of hot sauce.
  • Use a different pasta: Fettuccine works great, but feel free to substitute with penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.

Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 600-700
  • Protein: 40g
  • Carbs: 50g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g