Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Make the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta with tender chicken, a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
INGREDIENTS
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni
- Water for boiling
- 1 tsp salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to deglaze the pan.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet.
- Toss everything together, coating the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
NOTES
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use heavy cream for a rich and velvety sauce.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it will absorb sauce as it sits.
- For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.