Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with your choice of penne or fettuccine pasta. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 1 pound pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasoning and Aromatics
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Optional Garnish
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can enhance the dish with extra nutrition and flavor.
- This pasta pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
