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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creamy, dreamy pasta with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce that comes together in one pan. This comfort food favorite is guaranteed to impress!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 685
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic powder)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season and sear chicken: Season chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Build the flavor base: In the same pan, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Create the sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
  5. Add cheese and combine: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed to achieve desired consistency.
  6. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make it your own: Try adding spinach, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms for extra vegetables
  • Wine pairing: Pairs beautifully with Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • Storage: Keeps in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth
  • Substitutions: Can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, dried basil instead of fresh, or cherry tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes
  • Pro tip: Don't skip saving the pasta water - it helps create the silkiest sauce!
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Serves 4):
  • Calories: 685
  • Protein: 42g (84% of daily value)
  • Carbohydrates: 68g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Calcium: 285mg (28% DV from Parmesan and cream)