1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cooked pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne) for serving
Instructions
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot.
Add chicken to the skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove cooked chicken from skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and bring sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce has thickened slightly.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
Season sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm chicken through and allow it to absorb flavors.
Stir in chopped fresh basil.
Serve immediately over cooked pasta, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
Chicken Thighs: Can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for richer flavor. Cook to internal temperature of 175°F.
Fresh Herbs: Can use 1 tablespoon each of fresh oregano and thyme instead of dried. Add towards end of cooking.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For more intense flavor, use non-oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated in hot water for 15 minutes.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure proper browning.