Ingredients
Method
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Season and Cook the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken with cornstarch, oregano, a pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
- Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes, turning once. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Build the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish with torn fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Use a large skillet so you can cook everything in one pan for maximum flavor. Freshly grate your Parmesan for the smoothest melt and best taste. Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and juiciness. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference, or omit for a milder dish. Add fresh basil at the very end to keep it bright and vibrant. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
