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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This elegant yet simple recipe is perfect for date nights, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with hearty flavors and a touch of sophistication.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water

Seasonings and Garnish

  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Extra red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant and the tomatoes begin to soften and release their flavor.
  3. Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while continuously stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  4. Add Heat and Herbs: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and fresh chopped basil, stirring to infuse the sauce with subtle spice and freshness.
  5. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the rested chicken into strips. Toss the cooked pasta directly into the sauce along with the chicken strips, allowing everything to warm through and for the flavors to meld perfectly.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta and chicken, then garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking for uniform doneness.
  • Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to retain its juiciness when sliced.
  • Use freshly minced garlic rather than powdered for a more vibrant aroma and flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water and add a splash to the sauce if needed to help it cling better to the pasta.
  • Add Parmesan cheese slowly over low heat to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken pasta, Italian chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/marry-me-chicken-pasta/