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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe offers rich, balanced flavors with a quick preparation time under 40 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s family-friendly, versatile with pasta choices, and guarantees an indulgent and unforgettable taste experience.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne, fettuccine, or preferred pasta

Sauce Components

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Seasonings

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water for later use.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce thicken, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Slice the rested chicken into strips and return them to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Immediately transfer to serving dishes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and herbs to significantly boost the sauce’s flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to maintain juiciness and enhance overall taste and texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without watering it down.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice or splash of white wine for brightness and to balance the creaminess.
  • For extra texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top before serving.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing and Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

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