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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken, a rich cream-based tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Quick to prepare in under 40 minutes using simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. The sauce blends sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs, creating a luscious meal with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or rehydrated dry-packed)

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids & Broth

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

Pasta & Seasonings

  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred wide noodle)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
  2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and crushed red pepper flakes, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. Slowly add the heavy cream and then the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  3. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water for later use.
  4. Combine and Finish: Slice the rested chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts evenly before cooking for faster and more consistent results.
  • Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer sauce, or soak dry-packed tomatoes in warm water to control oiliness.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-grated options.
  • Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water to achieve a silky texture.
  • Cook pasta al dente as it will finish cooking slightly when combined with the sauce.
  • To keep the sauce smooth, avoid boiling after adding the cream and cheese.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when gluten-free pasta is used)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one-pan pasta, quick dinner, creamy sauce, Italian pasta, easy meal