Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. Easy yet gourmet, this one-pan recipe is ideal for romantic dinners, family meals, or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or choice)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium; add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and butter, stirring until smooth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water per package instructions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Combine Everything
- Return chicken to skillet, warming in sauce for 2 minutes.
- Add pasta, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp, salmon, or tofu.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Spicier Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomato sauce, easy pasta recipe, romantic dinner recipe