Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, served over perfectly al dente pasta bathed in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, this comforting and flavorful meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner that feels gourmet yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Deglaze the pan by adding the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce gently for 5-8 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Assemble the Dish: Slice the rested chicken breasts. Toss the drained pasta with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce in the skillet or a large bowl. Arrange the sliced chicken on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese over the assembled pasta and chicken. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add more flavor; if using dry, rehydrate them in warm water first.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes according to taste.
- This recipe pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat nicely in a skillet over low heat.
