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Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A close-up shot showcasing the creamy, decadent dish perfect for a romantic dinner.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish featuring seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a rich sauce. Served over pasta, it's a surefire way to impress and possibly even inspire a proposal!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 700

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 lb pasta penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving bowls

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  5. Create the Creamy Dream: Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Finishing Touches: Stir in the fresh basil and oregano. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use good quality oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor. Sear the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning. Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes. Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for a richer flavor.