Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a luscious one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Served over perfectly cooked pasta and garnished with fresh basil or parsley, this recipe combines rich flavors and easy preparation, making it an ideal cozy dinner or special date night meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce & Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness if needed. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika to build flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring it to a simmer.
- Add cream and seasonings: Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Combine and finish: Slice the rested chicken breasts and return them to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and warm through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top along with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the creamy, flavorful pasta hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Add fresh spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for additional vegetables and nutrients.
- This dish reheats well and makes a great option for leftovers.
- Perfect for a romantically themed date night or any cozy dinner occasion.
