Next, in the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute until fragrant—this is when my kitchen smells heavenly! Then, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. After that, stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. This mixture should bubble and create a luscious, creamy sauce that you’ll want to dive right into!
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Slice the chicken breast into strips and add it to the creamy sauce along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything gently to ensure that the pasta is well-coated in the sauce, and let it simmer for another minute or two, resurfacing any flavors that might have settled. To finish, garnish with fresh basil, and don’t be surprised when you find yourself lingering in the kitchen a bit longer, breathing in those delightful aromas!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this three ways to find that perfect balance of flavors. The key is to use good quality sun-dried tomatoes—though I’ve tried both oil-packed and dry, I found the oil-packed ones create a richer taste. Also, be sure to reserve some pasta water when draining the cooked pasta. If your sauce seems a bit thick, a splash of that reserved water will do wonders to loosen it up while adding a bit more flavor!
If you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t hesitate to increase the quantity! I’ve substituted garlic powder in a rush, and while it’s okay, the fresh minced garlic truly elevates the dish. Last but not least, let the chicken rest after cooking; it helps to keep the chicken juicy rather than drying it out during slicing.
Lastly, consider serving it immediately after combining everything. I found letting it sit too long causes the pasta to absorb too much sauce, which isn’t as enjoyable for leftovers. Trust me, you’ll want each bite to be as creamy and decadent as the first!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made the first time was under-seasoning the chicken. It’s easy to think you can rely solely on the sauce to bring flavor, but trust me, the chicken needs seasoning too! Not adding enough salt and pepper to the chicken resulted in a bland foundation, and I learned my lesson quickly—always flavor your proteins well!
Another mistake is overcooking the pasta. It may seem tempting to leave the pasta cooking longer for safety, but you want it to be al dente since it continues to cook when combined with the hot sauce. I recommend setting a timer, so you can catch that perfect texture right as it finishes cooking.
Overcrowding the skillet when combining the pasta with the sauce can lead to uneven coating. I initially threw everything together in a hurry and ended up with patches of dry pasta—no fun! Instead, use a large enough skillet or do it in batches if necessary; this ensures every piece of pasta truly gets the love it deserves. (See the next page below to continue…)