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Penne for Your Clucks

Seared Chicken Breast in a Creamy Mediterranean Sauce with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives over Pasta

35 minutes
Serves 4
DinnerItalianGluten-freeNut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-free
Herb's take

This Italian-inspired dish takes a lovely Mediterranean detour, starring juicy seared chicken in a creamy sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and briny kalamata olives. You’ll discover why letting chicken rest after cooking is the home cook’s cheat code for juiciness.

Ingredients

Yield
4

Instructions

  1. 01
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until just al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. 02
    Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with the kosher salt and black pepper.
  3. 03
    Heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
  4. 04
    Reduce heat to medium. Add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. 05
    Stir in the kalamata olives and cook for 1 minute.
  6. 06
    Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let simmer until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
  7. 07
    Add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
  8. 08
    Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the chopped spinach and simmer until wilted, about 1 minute.
  9. 09
    Slice the rested chicken breasts thinly across the grain.
  10. 10
    Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the sauce, tossing to coat. Gently nestle the sliced chicken into the skillet.
  11. 11
    Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  12. 12
    Divide among four bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.

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