Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes combine in a rich Parmesan sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s simple to make yet impressive enough to satisfy any craving.

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 such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 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 until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce turns smooth. Season with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss gently to coat the chicken and pasta thoroughly in the creamy sauce.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juicy and flavorful meat.
• Add spinach or kale to the sauce for a burst of color and nutrients.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
• For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Day-old cooked pasta works well for reheating in this recipe without losing texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for long periods to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper browning. Using frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking and a watery sauce.

What pasta works best for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Shorter pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but you can also use fettuccine or other long pasta. Choose your favorite variety for the best experience.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.4 from 71 reviews

A creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of spice, tossed with your favorite pasta and garnished with fresh basil for an irresistible meal.

• Author: Toney
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 & Garnish

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large 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. Sear the chicken slices until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then 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, heavy cream, and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick, adjusting to taste.
5. Combine Chicken & Pasta: Return the seared chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
6. Garnish & Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
• Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil work best for richer flavor; if using dry, rehydrate in warm water first.
• You can swap chicken breasts for thighs, cooking times may vary slightly.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
• Leftovers store well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato chicken, Italian pasta recipe, quick chicken dinner