Print

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

creamy marry me chicken pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy chicken pasta recipe ready in 30 minutes, featuring a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (medium-thick)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained slightly)
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half for lighter sauce)
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and let rest.
  3. Lower heat to medium in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly, stirring occasionally.
  5. Lower heat and stir in ¾ cup heavy cream. Cook for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  6. Slice rested chicken into thin slices or bite-sized pieces and return to skillet. Stir to coat with sauce.
  7. Add drained pasta to skillet and toss gently to combine. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before searing to get a good crust. Add cream slowly over moderate heat to avoid curdling. Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten sensitivities. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days; reheat gently with added broth or milk to loosen sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, quick dinner, sun-dried tomatoes, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, creamy sauce, chicken breast recipe

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/creamy-marry-me-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-and-ready-in-30-minutes/