Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. Tender chicken meets a rich garlic parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, creating a meal that’s sure to impress and satisfy any pasta lover.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Step 3: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Then add the heavy cream and continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
4. Step 4: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and allow it to simmer in the sauce.
7. Step 7: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it into the skillet with the sauce and chicken, stirring to coat well.
8. Step 8: Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips & Variations

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor; if using dry-packed, soak them in hot water before chopping.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a thinner sauce.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy kick.
• Swap penne for fusilli or rigatoni to better hold the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions to achieve al dente texture.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute, and replace parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 84 reviews

This Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breast in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs. Served over perfectly cooked penne pasta and garnished with fresh basil, it’s a comforting and indulgent meal that’s sure to impress.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

Pasta and Garnish

• ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the sliced or cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic mixture, whisking constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux and cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Create the Sauce: Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth followed by the heavy cream, continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring the sauce until it thickens slightly. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
4. Add Flavor: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and dried Italian seasoning into the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together.
5. Combine Everything: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce and simmer gently. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly, then toss it into the skillet with the chicken and creamy sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pasta and chicken. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor and texture.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked through during searing with no pink inside.
• Constant whisking during sauce preparation helps avoid lumps and creates a smooth sauce.
• Pasta can be substituted with other types such as fettuccine or rigatoni if preferred.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken, garlic parmesan pasta, easy weeknight dinner