In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes manage to capture the essence of a romantic evening as eloquently as Chicken Alfredo. It’s a dish that exudes comfort with its creamy sauce and tender chicken, yet it demands a certain finesse to perfect. Our twist on this classic, the Romantic Chicken Alfredo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, not only promises to enchant your taste buds but also to kindle the flames of love over dinner.
Ingredients:
- Pasta: 8 oz dried pasta (half standard box) serves as the base of our dish, ready to be enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- For the Sauté: 1 tablespoon olive oil and ½ cup finely chopped onion begin the flavor foundation, with 3-4 cloves minced garlic adding aromatic depth.
- The Protein: 1 pound of chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces, ensures that every forkful is a perfect balance of pasta and protein.
- Seasoning Mix: A blend of ½ teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper infuses the dish with complex flavors.
- The Sauce: 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese create a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, with ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes adding a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the cream.
- Garnish: Basil leaves, not just for garnish but to add a fresh, aromatic finish to each plate.
Directions:
- Pasta Preparation: Begin by cooking 8 oz of dried pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches the al dente texture. Remember to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid is key to creating a sauce that clings beautifully to each noodle.
- Building the Flavor Base: In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. This is where the magic starts. Add the minced garlic and a tablespoon of butter, sautéing for an additional 30 seconds to unleash their fragrances.
- The Main Attraction: Introduce the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan, sprinkling over your carefully measured seasonings. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through, ensuring each piece is perfectly seasoned.
- Sauce Creation: Stir in the heavy cream, the reserved pasta water, grated parmesan cheese, and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Allow this mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, transforming into a creamy sauce that’s both rich and bursting with flavor.
- Combining Forces: Toss the al dente pasta into the pan, ensuring each strand is lovingly coated in the Alfredo sauce. The creamy pasta, combined with the seasoned chicken and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creates a harmony of flavors.
- Final Touches: Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving, adding a burst of color and a hint of freshness that lifts the entire dish.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 463 kcal per serving
- Servings: Makes 6 servings
Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of approximately 20 minutes, making the total time to bring this dish to your table only 30 minutes. This makes it a perfect choice for a romantic dinner where you don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.
This Romantic Chicken Alfredo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is more than just a meal; it’s a statement. It’s about taking the time to create something beautiful and delicious for someone special. Whether it’s for a significant other, a dear friend, or as a treat to yourself, this dish is bound to make any evening feel extra special. So, light a candle, set the table, and prepare to indulge in a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to present.
Romantic Chicken Alfredo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients:
8 oz dried pasta (half standard box)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup onion, finely chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
½ teaspoon EACH: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Basil leaves for garnish
Directions:
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sauté onion for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and butter, sauté for 30 seconds. Add chicken and seasoning, sauté for 3-5 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Stir in heavy cream, reserved pasta water, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Toss cooked pasta into the pan, combine. Garnish with basil. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 463 kcal | Servings: 6 servings