Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and savory one-pan dish featuring tender chicken in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s easy to make and perfect for date nights, family dinners, or special occasions.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs for handling chicken
- Pasta pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater (for fresh parmesan)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces pasta penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter optional for extra richness
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and let it rest.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the pan to release flavors. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese: Lower heat and stir in grated parmesan, allowing it to melt smoothly.
- Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine Everything: Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water for a silkier consistency.
- Final Touches: Stir in fresh basil and butter for extra flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with additional parmesan and serve warm with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the heavy cream.
- To make it gluten-free, use chickpea or quinoa pasta.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- If the sauce gets too thick, loosen it with pasta water or extra chicken broth.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
- Freezing: While possible, freezing may cause the sauce to separate. If freezing, store the pasta and sauce separately and reheat gently.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 32g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Sugar: 6g