Simple Chicken Pasta Dish

This rich, mouthwatering One-Bowl Wonder Chicken Pasta got its flirty nickname for a good reason. Juicy chicken chunks and pasta soaked in a velvety, sun-dried tomato cream sauce makes the kind of dinner that might just win someone's heart. I've transformed this trending favorite into a pasta dish that delivers all the original magic in a single satisfying meal.

I whipped this up for my sweetheart during our anniversary when I wanted something fancy but was short on kitchen time. The name turned out to be pretty spot-on two months later when we got engaged, and now we make it for every special occasion.

Ingredients

• Dried pasta of choice: Makes a tasty base for the luxurious sauce and works with whatever shape you have
• Olive oil and butter: Build a tasty foundation that adds richness to every bite
• Onion and garlic: Create the flavor backbone that makes everyone crave more
• Chicken breasts: Diced into small chunks cook fast and stay juicy throughout
• Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder: Work together for big flavor with little effort
• Heavy cream: Makes that dreamy, smooth texture everyone loves
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty nuttiness while helping the sauce get thicker
• Sun dried tomatoes: Pack intense, sweet flavor and gorgeous red flecks
• Fresh basil leaves: Cut through the richness with their fresh, herby kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Get some heavily salted water boiling and cook your pasta till it's al dente. You want it a bit firm since it'll soften more in the sauce later. Don't forget to save some pasta water before draining. That starchy liquid can fix a sauce that's too thick.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Get your olive oil hot in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in those chopped onions and let them cook for 3-4 minutes until they're soft and see-through. Add your chopped garlic and cook about 30 seconds until you can smell it. Don't let it brown or it'll taste bitter.

Cook the Chicken:

Drop the butter in the pan and let it melt. Toss in your chicken chunks, trying to spread them out flat. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook about 5-7 minutes, flipping now and then, until the chicken turns golden and hits 165°F inside. The brown bits on the pan bottom are pure flavor gold.

Create the Sauce:

Pour in your heavy cream while stirring and scraping all those tasty bits off the bottom. Add your grated Parmesan and stir until it's all melted in. Let the sauce bubble gently for 2-3 minutes until it sticks to your spoon. Getting this thickness right means your pasta will be perfectly coated.

Combine and Finish:

Mix in the chopped sun dried tomatoes, making sure they're spread throughout. Add your cooked pasta and keep tossing until every bit gets covered in that amazing sauce. If things look too thick, splash in some of that pasta water you saved.

Garnish and Serve:

Put it all on plates or a big serving dish, then sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and tear some fresh basil over everything. The hot pasta will release all the basil's amazing smell, making the whole dish even more tempting.

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The sun dried tomatoes are my hidden gem in this dish. I found out how amazing they are years back when I accidentally dumped in twice what I needed. What should've been a kitchen fail turned into our favorite version, with their super intense flavor making every bite pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can make this pasta up to 2 days early and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. The flavors actually get better overnight, so it's perfect for planning ahead. When you warm it up, add a little cream or milk to bring back the silky sauce, and heat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave just until it's warm. Don't let it boil or the sauce might break apart.

Simple Variations

Switch things up by using shrimp instead of chicken. It cooks even faster and adds a nice seafood sweetness. If you don't eat meat, try roasted mushrooms and artichoke hearts instead of chicken. The mushrooms soak up all that tasty sauce. For an extra special treat, mix in 4 ounces of cream cheese when making the sauce. It makes everything richer and tangier, which goes great with the sun dried tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta goes great with a simple arugula salad with just lemon juice and olive oil to balance out the richness. Some garlic bread on the side helps mop up all that yummy sauce. For drinks, try a bright Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay. Their tanginess works well with the creamy parts. If it's a special dinner, start with something light like bruschetta before bringing out this showstopper main dish.

The Story Behind the Name

The One-Bowl Wonder Chicken started as a simple chicken dish so tasty it supposedly made people propose. The internet made this comfort food famous with its catchy name and super rich flavor. My pasta version keeps all the good stuff but turns it into a complete meal. Whether it leads to wedding bells or not, this pasta always wows dinner guests and I make it whenever I need to guarantee happy faces around my table.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which pasta shapes work best here?

Pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or bow-tie are great picks because they hold onto the sauce in all the little crevices. If you’re aiming for something fancier, go for linguine or fettuccine—they work really well with creamy sauces too.

→ Are chicken thighs okay instead of breasts?

Of course! Boneless chicken thighs are actually super flavorful and stay moist during cooking. Just cut them into similar bite sizes as you would with breasts and cook them the same way. You might need to cook them slightly longer to ensure they’re cooked through.

→ How do I make it less spicy?

If you don’t want the heat, just skip or cut back on the red pepper flakes. The smoked paprika adds a delicious depth without spice, so you can definitely leave that in. For a milder kick, try swapping red pepper flakes for a tiny dash of black pepper instead.

→ Can this dish be prepped beforehand?

Yes, but it’s definitely best served fresh. If you’re making it early, cook the sauce, chicken, and pasta separately (slightly undercooking the pasta). Combine everything gently when reheating over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to freshen up the sauce. Add garnishes just before sitting down to eat.

→ What are good substitutions for heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter option, swap in half-and-half or try mixing whole milk with a spoonful of cornstarch to help it thicken. Evaporated milk works too! For an extra healthy twist, stir in Greek yogurt (thinned with milk) but make sure to add it off-heat to avoid curdling.

→ What sides go well with this meal?

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with fresh, light sides like a green salad with lemon vinaigrette or crisp roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread is also a fantastic option for scooping up every last bit of sauce. And if you’re enjoying a drink, a chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay works nicely.