Description
Looking for a creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender, juicy chicken in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta—it’s rich, savory, and irresistibly delicious. Make it for a date night, family dinner, or just because you deserve something amazing.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
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¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
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1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
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12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
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Water and salt for boiling
For Garnish:
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Extra parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil if needed.
Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Stir well and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with sauce.
If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
Nestle the sliced chicken into the pasta and simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad.
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy chicken (165°F internal temp).
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better and gives a richer flavor.
Pasta Shapes – Penne or fettuccine hold the creamy sauce well, but use any pasta you like.
Sun-Dried Tomato Tip – Use the ones packed in oil for more flavor and tenderness.
Adjust the Heat – Skip the red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to spice, or add more if you love it hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American