Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish gets its name from its irresistible taste, rumored to be so delicious that it could inspire a marriage proposal! The creamy Parmesan sauce with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes makes it a comforting and impressive meal for date nights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin fillets)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well and let the sauce thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta and toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Substitute: You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories.
- Make It Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1plate
- Calories: ~600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken