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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 120 reviews

This Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce. Garnished with fresh basil for a burst of freshness, this recipe is perfect for an impressive yet comforting meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness)
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp pepper

For the pasta:

  • 10 oz penne pasta

For the sauce:

  • 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
  • 3 tbsp butter (preferably Kerrygold for richness)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)

For the garnish:

  • Fresh basil (torn just before serving)
  • Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil 10 oz of penne pasta in a large pot of well-salted water following the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while preparing the chicken and sauce.
  2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Cut 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season these pieces with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through with no pink remaining. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 tsp minced fresh garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tbsp flour to form a paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth until smooth, then add 1 cup heavy cream (at room temperature) and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Stir in 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tsp paprika, and 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for several minutes until it thickens to a luscious consistency.
  4. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces and the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly coated with the sauce. Taste the mixture and add additional salt and pepper if needed to balance the flavors.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the dish with torn fresh basil leaves to add brightness and color. Optionally, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. Serve warm and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes as they provide richer taste and texture.
  • Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Allow cream to come to room temperature before adding to the sauce to prevent curdling.
  • Use freshly minced garlic for optimal flavor during sautéing.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preference.
  • If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato sauce, Parmesan chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe

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