Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a luscious, one-pan Italian-inspired dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts and al dente penne pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made with parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic Italian seasonings. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10 ounces penne pasta
Chicken
- 1 and 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Additional grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet, place on a plate, and keep warm.
- Make the Roux: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the all-purpose flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Keep whisking until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and thickens slightly.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer on medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta warm. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth, but can be substituted with roasted red peppers if unavailable.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.