Description
An easy, delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender chicken, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and al dente pasta that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute half and half for lighter option)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- â…“ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine work best)
- Salt for pasta water
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat them dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Pour in heavy cream, add sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Reduce heat to low, whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to desired consistency.
- Slice the chicken and return it to the pan along with any juices. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together. Stir in fresh basil.
- Serve on a platter or individual plates, garnished with fresh basil, parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- To thicken, use all-purpose flour or a cornstarch slurry.
- Add sautéed vegetables for more nutrition.
- Ideal side dishes include garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg