Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
Finishing Touches
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions.
- Make the Roux: About 10 minutes before the pasta is done, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about one minute to form a roux.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Let the mixture bubble gently for about one minute to meld the flavors.
- Create the Sauce: Whisk in the heavy cream, then add sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded chicken. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Remove the skillet from heat and season the sauce generously with salt and pepper.
- Toss the Pasta: Before draining the pasta, reserve some hot pasta water. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut; you can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Fresh sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil work best for maximum flavor and texture.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency—it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt