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Family Features -- Planning a delicious, romantic date night doesn't have to take you any further than your own kitchen. You don't have to be an accomplished chef to set the table for romance, but you can take inspiration from simple, quality Italian dishes to celebrate the link between food and love.
As this recipe demonstrates, a romantic meal can be ready in minutes or, like a great love story, simmered to perfection. To plan the ultimate date night at home, start by choosing a dreamy main dish made with mouthwatering sauce.
Flavorful sauces make a great Italian meal, but the sauce doesn't need to be made from scratch (at least, not completely). For example, Bertolli d'Italia sauces are made in Italy for authentically delicious flavor. They are crafted with tomatoes vine-ripened under the Italian sun, finely aged Italian cheeses, fresh cream and Mediterranean olive oil. The result is a sauce that's perfect for your date-night meal.
Once you select your main course, prepare a simple salad of greens with a drizzle of Italian vinaigrette or Caesar dressing. Pop a loaf of bakery-fresh Italian or focaccia bread into the oven to warm through and serve with butter or olive oil for dipping. If you're so inclined, cap off the meal with a classic Italian dessert from your local bakery, like tiramisu, cannoli or a creamy panna cotta topped with fresh fruit.
Find more romantic dishes perfect for sharing at Bertolli.com.
Creamy Italian Garlic Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 minutes / Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large chicken breasts
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup onions, chopped
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, cut into strips
2 tablespoons capers, drained
6 fresh basil leaves, sliced
1 jar Bertolli d'Italia Creamy Rosa Sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
water
1/2 box Casarecce or preferred pasta
parsley, for garnish
Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
In saute pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken with Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Sear chicken breasts on both sides until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
Add garlic and onions to hot pan. Cook until starting to brown. Add sun-dried tomatoes, capers and basil; stir. Add sauce and heavy cream; cook until mixture starts boiling.
Bring large stockpot of water to boil. Boil Casarecce pasta until al dente. Divide pasta between two plates. Place one chicken breast over pasta on each plate and top with additional sauce, parsley and Parmesan cheese.
