Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, rich dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to impress guests.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta made with penne pasta and pieces of grilled chicken. The pasta and chicken are coated in a thick white sauce with small green herb pieces scattered on top. The grilled chicken pieces have golden-brown spots, adding texture contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and there is a grey cloth visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Add fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms 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.
  • Mix in mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A close-up of a bowl filled with penne pasta and pieces of grilled chicken mixed in a creamy white sauce with scattered green herb bits. The pasta is pale yellow with smooth ridges, and the chicken pieces are lightly browned with some charred spots, giving a textured look. The sauce coats everything evenly, making the dish look rich and moist. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled throughout, adding a fresh contrast. The bowl is white, placed on a white marbled surface with a soft gray cloth visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the creamy sauce nicely, but fettuccine or other long pasta are also great choices depending on your preference.

Print
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts tossed with pasta in a velvety sauce made of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh basil. It’s a comforting, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale

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 (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Season & Sear Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring they are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, roughly 30 seconds. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
  4. Prepare Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
  5. Combine Chicken & Pasta: Return the cooked chicken slices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything well to coat the chicken and pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot for a delicious and comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half & half.
  • Add fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for additional nutrition and flavor.
  • For extra cheesiness, mix in mozzarella cheese with Parmesan.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, Easy Chicken Dinner, One-Pan Pasta

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