Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta and Proteins

01 - 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
02 - 2 chicken breasts, cut into thin, even strips

→ Sauce Base

03 - 1 cup rich heavy cream
04 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
05 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Aromatics and Seasonings

06 - 2 tablespoons good quality olive oil
07 - 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
08 - 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
09 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Get a large pot of well-salted water boiling and cook your fettuccine until it's perfectly al dente. Don't forget to save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later!
02 - While your pasta's cooking, get your skillet hot with a tablespoon of olive oil. Season those chicken strips with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then let them sizzle for 4-5 minutes per side until they're golden and cooked through. Set them aside to rest.
03 - In that same flavorful skillet, add another splash of olive oil, then toss in your sun-dried tomatoes and fresh garlic. Let them dance together for 2-3 minutes until your kitchen smells amazing.
04 - Lower the heat to medium and pour in your heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Parmesan and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken up nicely.
05 - Now's the time to reunite everything - add your cooked pasta and golden chicken back to the skillet. Toss it all in that creamy sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to get that perfect silky consistency.
06 - Finish your masterpiece with a shower of fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve it up right away while it's hot and at its creamy best!

# Notes:

01 - The oil from sun-dried tomatoes adds extra depth to the dish - don't drain it off!
02 - Reserved pasta water is key for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
03 - This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and hot.