Print

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy and savory dish combining tender chicken breasts, luscious pasta, and a rich sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce. This easy yet elegant recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering comforting flavors with a gourmet twist. The sauce is silky and flavorful, featuring garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, making every bite delightful and memorable.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Cooking Base

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Aromatics & Flavorings

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta & Garnishes

  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.
  4. Combine and Finish: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the pasta and fresh basil, gently mixing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired creamy texture. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results.
  • Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes as they add essential tangy depth to the sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling and maintain creaminess.
  • Add fresh basil at the end to enhance aroma and brighten the dish.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without losing flavor.
  • Variations include swapping chicken for mushrooms for a vegetarian option or using gluten-free pasta.
  • Reheat leftovers gently on low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore texture.

Nutrition

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