Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Savory goodness of Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This easy-to-make dish combines juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or any special occasion.
Servings: 4
Calories: 580kcal
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – Slice them in half for quicker, even cooking. No chicken breasts? Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds a perfect blend of herbs. If unavailable mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- ½ teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper – Enhances flavor.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used to brown the chicken beautifully and lock in its juices.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves minced – Fresh is best, but 1 teaspoon garlic powder works in a pinch.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped – Brings a deep, tangy flavor. Substitute with cherry tomatoes for a milder taste.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Adds a gentle heat. Skip or adjust based on your spice preference.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The key to that luscious texture. For a lighter option use half-and-half.
- ½ cup chicken broth – Balances the sauce. Vegetable broth works as well.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a savory cheesy finish. Pecorino Romano is a great alternative!
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta – Choose your favorite! Gluten-free pasta or whole wheat work too.
- For Garnishing Optional but Recommended!:
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped – Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Extra Parmesan cheese – Because you can never have too much cheese!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half lengthwise for even cooking.
- Season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor.
Sear the Chicken
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and ready for cooking.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest while you continue with the recipe.
Create the Flavorful Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and absorb all the flavors.
- Add heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce for a creamy finish.
Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce is simmering, cook your fettuccine or penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Add the drained pasta and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Top with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness and color.
- Finish off with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a cheesy indulgence.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 580
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 41g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Potassium: 600mg