Description
Experience the dish that has taken kitchens by storm! The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe blends juicy chicken with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, Parmesan, and tender pasta to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for romantic dinners or cozy comfort meals, this recipe will surely impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
For the sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the pasta:
12 ounces penne pasta (or rigatoni, fettuccine, etc.)
Salt for pasta water
Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes.
Combine flavors: Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until sauce is smooth. Return chicken to skillet and coat in sauce.
Finish the dish: Toss cooked pasta with chicken and sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve: Plate the pasta neatly, garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Pair with your favorite white or red wine for the ultimate romantic meal.
Notes
- Thin chicken breasts cook faster and stay tender.
- Rigatoni and fettuccine are excellent alternatives to penne for sauce holding.
- Adjust spice by adding more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: ~580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg