Step 1: Cook the Pasta Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, saving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set it aside for later.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for about 1 minute. Then, add the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan Now, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the cream simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. For a little extra heat, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Gently stir in the sliced chicken, allowing everything to heat through and come together.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish Once everything is combined, plate the pasta and chicken. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and creamy.