Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich sun-dried tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for searing
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine works well)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Add Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, if using, and mix well.
- Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the chicken and pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- Add fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half & half.
- Increase crushed red pepper flakes to add more heat if you like spicy dishes.
- Mix in some mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy, melty texture.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or microwave to prevent the cream sauce from curdling. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
What pasta type works best for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce nicely. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with your choice of pasta and garnished with fresh basil. This comforting Italian-inspired meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for searing
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Additional Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season & Sear Chicken: Pat the sliced chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken slices in a single layer. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream. Stir frequently and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using, adjusting spice level to taste.
- Combine Chicken & Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to combine. Then add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together so the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half & half.
- Add fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms to increase nutrition and flavor depth.
- For extra cheesiness, mix in shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Increase crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, one pan chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe
