Creamy Chicken Fettuccine (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 8 oz fettuccine
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
06 - Salt and black pepper to taste
07 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine based on the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chicken strips with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
03 - Using the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, incorporate some of their oil for extra flavor.
04 - Lower the heat to medium. Combine heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes in the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, occasionally stirring, until it slightly thickens.
05 - Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, mixing them into the creamy sauce until well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water.
06 - Top the dish with fresh basil and a little extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

# Notes:

01 - If using sun-dried tomatoes that are dry-packed, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using.
02 - For a vegetarian variation, swap the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.
03 - Add fresh basil just before serving to enhance flavor and preserve its color.