Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a romantic dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seared and combined with a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, garlic, and fresh basil, then tossed with al dente pasta for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
Pasta & Garnish
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta. Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Season the Chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Sauté Aromatics. Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Sauce. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta. Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and add back into the skillet. Then add the cooked pasta and chopped fresh basil. Toss everything together until fully combined and heated through.
- Serve. Plate the pasta and garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, juicier texture.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a deeper, more romantic flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well and make great next-day meals.
