Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish featuring tender chicken in a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This easy yet gourmet meal is perfect for date nights or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to create cutlets)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, toss with butter to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the pan and let it warm through in the sauce for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce until well coated.
- Slice the chicken into strips and place it on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cornstarch.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, romantic dinner idea