Description
This Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish combining tender chicken pieces, al dente penne pasta, and a luscious sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce, finished with fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color. Perfect for a comforting dinner that impresses with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
For the pasta:
- 10 oz penne pasta
For the sauce:
- 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
- 3 tbsp butter (preferably Kerrygold for richness)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)
For the garnish:
- Fresh basil (torn just before serving)
- Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the 10 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Cut the 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 tsp minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tbsp flour to form a paste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Add 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tsp paprika, and 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
- Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese just before serving to add vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes enhances the flavor of the sauce significantly.
- Kerrygold butter is recommended for its rich, creamy taste in the sauce.
- Make sure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a few extra minutes until desired consistency is reached.
- Fresh basil should be added just before serving to preserve its flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe, Italian Chicken Pasta
