Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta, preferably with ridges
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if you like
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil
- 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or quality store-bought, plus more if you like
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Handful of torn basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken with the seasoning.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously with about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8 to 9 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown on the outside and cooked through, approximately 7 to 8 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun dried tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together until well combined. If the sauce appears dry, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to achieve a glossy, creamy consistency.
- Add the Pesto and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the basil pesto until fully incorporated. Finish by sprinkling with extra grated parmesan, red pepper flakes for some heat, and torn basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use high-quality basil pesto or make homemade pesto for best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a creamy texture.
- Sun dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness; ensure they are well-drained if packed in oil.
- Serve with extra parmesan cheese on the side for topping.
- To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though it will be less creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
