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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta - featured image
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This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dinner featuring juicy pan-seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced horizontally
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (packed in oil)
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
  • Salt, for boiling pasta water
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn (about 1/4 cup)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes or according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat chicken breasts dry and slice horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until cheese melts and sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
  7. Slice rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add back to skillet and simmer gently for 2 minutes.
  8. Add drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together over low heat until pasta is coated in sauce. Add more pasta water if needed.
  9. Sprinkle with torn fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and vegan Parmesan. Sear chicken in batches if needed for best browning. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Let chicken rest before slicing for juicier results. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: marry me chicken, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, weeknight pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, Italian chicken recipe, skillet chicken, comfort food

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