Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente penne pasta. This comforting meal combines Italian-inspired seasoning with a luxurious creamy texture, garnished with fresh basil for an aromatic finish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 10 ounces of penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink inside and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and place on a plate.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Thicken the sauce: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons flour into the melted butter and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste. Cook this roux for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids and cheese: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, followed by 1 cup heavy cream. Stir continuously to combine and create a creamy sauce. Then add 1 cup grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Flavor the sauce: Stir in 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens to a luscious consistency.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy tomato parmesan sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese as desired. Serve the creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot for a delectable and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting properties.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, slightly tangy bite; be sure to drain them well to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or cream.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 646 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 962 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
