Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender strips of seasoned chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting American main course is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Sauce & Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Follow the package directions to cook the pasta until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be added later in the sauce.
- Season and Brown Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure to scrape up any browned bits for flavor.
- Deglaze and Prepare Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, loosening any stuck bits. Reduce heat to medium, then stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pasta before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce without sacrificing too much creaminess.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice added at the end brightens the dish nicely.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
