Velvety Fettuccine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Tender Chicken
Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and creamy pasta dish, look no further! This Velvety Fettuccine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Tender Chicken is a family favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. With its rich flavors and smooth sauce, it’s perfect for any night of the week.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you try this recipe? It’s quick, it’s easy, and it tastes amazing! This dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce all over fettuccine pasta. It’s perfect for busy days when you want to make something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your family or guests!
How to Make Velvety Fettuccine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Tender Chicken
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh basil and a little extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
How to Serve Velvety Fettuccine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Tender Chicken
Serve this dish warm, straight from the skillet. It pairs nicely with a simple salad or some garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
How to Store Velvety Fettuccine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Tender Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3 days. When you reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life!
Tips to Make Velvety Fettuccine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Tender Chicken
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Feel free to use fresh tomatoes if you don’t have sun-dried ones, but adjust the cooking time!
- You can add more veggies like spinach or peas for an extra boost!
Variation
For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, but fettuccine holds the sauce well.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve!
3. Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can skip them if you prefer a milder dish.