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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This elegant yet easy recipe combines savory, tangy, and fresh flavors into a crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for weeknights or special occasions. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and sure to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts

Produce & Herbs

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta & Grains

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni recommended)

Liquids & Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup chicken broth

Pantry & Spices

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Flour, for dusting chicken
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then lightly dust them with flour to help achieve a golden crust. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth and reduce slightly. Next, add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens into a velvety consistency.
  4. Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet, mixing gently with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finish by stirring in fresh herbs and optional red pepper flakes.
  5. Serve Warm: Plate the Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and basil for a restaurant-quality finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juiciness.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Allow cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt quality.
  • Simmer the sauce longer to thicken or add broth to thin it as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, creamy sauce, weeknight meal