Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, simmered in a luscious parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Tossed with your choice of penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni, this elegant yet simple meal is perfect for a cozy date night or an effortless weeknight dinner that’s so delicious it might just inspire a proposal.

Ingredients

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)

Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained & chopped)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Season Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken slices evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Make Sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Cheese and Heat: Incorporate the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly, using the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Simmer and Garnish: Let the dish simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving warm.

Notes

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Add fresh spinach during the sauce phase for extra color and nutrition.
Leftovers reheat best when you add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired