Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Match Made in Heaven
Experience love at first bite with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This delightful dish combines tender penne pasta and succulent chicken breasts in a creamy, tangy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s sure to win hearts. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is ready in just 30 minutes!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser. The combination of penne pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce makes it a go-to for any night of the week. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
The sauce in this recipe is a harmonious blend of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, cream, garlic, and aromatic seasonings. It’s rich and creamy, with a delightful tang from the sun-dried tomatoes. You’ll fall in love with every bite!
Everything You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality dish that everyone will adore! Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, tangy, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
- Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Penne Pasta: Perfect for trapping the creamy sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken.
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
- Butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and adds creaminess.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Flour: To thicken the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adjusts the consistency and adds savory depth.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture. Half and half can be used for a lighter option.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds sharp, cheesy flavor and richness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and delicious, essential for that classic ‘Marry Me’ flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a touch of smoky warmth.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Fresh Basil: Aromatic garnish that adds a burst of freshness.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Learn how to make this show-stopping dinner in just 30 minutes! My family adores Marry Me Chicken Pasta, making it a staple in our dinner rotation.
- Cook Penne: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Cut Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink and cooked through.
- Set Aside: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside while you make the sauce.
Sauce
- Sauté Garlic, Make Roux: Return to the same skillet, then add the butter. Once melted, sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the flour and stir to make a paste.
- Add Liquid Ingredients and Cheese: Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir in Remaining Ingredients: Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Simmer: Simmer the sauce for a few minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Stir to coat the chicken and pasta in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Success
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is straightforward and simple to make, but here are a few extra tips to ensure perfection:
- Check the Temperature of Your Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) to avoid overcooking.
- Add a Little Heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes to taste for added warmth.
- Use Freshly-Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan has better flavor and melts more evenly into the sauce.
How to Store Marry Me Pasta
Everyone will love this Marry Me Pasta so much that leftovers might be rare. But if you do have some, save them for a quick and satisfying lunch!
- In the Refrigerator: Keep leftovers tightly covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream if needed for moisture.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Chicken Pasta
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Chicken Pasta
- Cook the 10 ounces penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Cut 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside while you make the sauce.
Sauce
- Return to the same skillet, then add 3 tablespoons butter. Once it is melted, sauté the minced 2 teaspoons garlic, for 30 seconds until it's fragrant. Add in 3 tablespoons flour and stir to make a paste.
- Whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup parmesan cheese.
- Stir in the drained 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes for it to thicken.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Stir to coat the chicken and pasta in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese.
Notes
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