Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy dish that brings together tender pan-seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a velvety Parmesan sauce tossed with pasta. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you simply crave a restaurant-quality meal at home. One bite, and you’ll see why this dish gets its romantic name!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients:
Gather all ingredients and chop, mince, and measure as needed for smooth cooking. - Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside. - Boil the Pasta:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the chicken, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir and let simmer for 3–4 minutes. - Add Cheese & Spice:
Stir in grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 2–3 minutes. - Combine Pasta & Chicken:
Slice the cooked chicken. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in sliced chicken. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water. - Serve:
Plate the pasta, top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
- Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
- Great with fettuccine, rotini, or gluten-free pasta.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Italian-American