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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Dinner

creamy marry me chicken pasta - featured image

A rich and velvety creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a flavorful sauce that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced thin
  • 1/3 cup (50 g) sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth, low sodium preferred
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • A handful of fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 8 ounces (225 g) penne or favorite short pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of penne or preferred pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, thinly slice chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and scrape browned bits from pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Add heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens, stirring constantly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Return chicken to skillet and coat with sauce. Add drained pasta and toss gently to combine. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or basil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the chicken; thin slices cook quickly and stay juicy. Stir sauce constantly after adding cream and cheese to prevent clumping. Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother sauce. If sauce thickens too much, add reserved pasta water to loosen. Lower heat when sautéing garlic to avoid burning. Fresh basil added at the end brightens the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, creamy sauce, chicken recipe