Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Perfect as an easy weeknight dinner, it combines rich, comforting flavors with a quick and simple preparation that rivals restaurant-quality meals.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or similar)
- Fresh basil, sliced thin for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Season Chicken: While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. (If using shredded rotisserie chicken, skip this step.)
- Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and drained sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in Italian seasoning, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir Parmesan cheese into the sauce until fully melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine Everything: Return cooked chicken to the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, then garnish generously with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh sliced basil. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a quicker version, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add more flavor; drain well before adding.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Use gluten-free pasta if a gluten-free version is desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
