Description
Tender chicken tossed with pasta in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and herbs. This irresistible creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions, combining juicy chicken breasts and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious Italian-American inspired sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken & Pasta
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
Creamy Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Pat the sliced chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken slices and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Start Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release their flavor into the sauce.
- Simmer Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
- Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken slices to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the chicken and pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve your desired creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese to ensure the smoothest and creamiest sauce texture.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though it will be less rich.
- Add fresh spinach to the pan during the final minute of cooking for added color and nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
