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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 43 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.