Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory, and romantic dinner dish that just might inspire someone to pop the question. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious garlic cream sauce over pasta, every bite is rich with flavor and comfort. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for date night, family dinners, or whenever you need something extra special.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make cutlets)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Salted water for boiling
For Garnish & Serving:
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Extra grated Parmesan
Fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
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Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
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Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
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In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
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Pour in chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits.
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Reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
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Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
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Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
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Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
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Place sliced chicken on top and gently mix everything together.
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Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
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Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
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Serve hot with fresh cracked black pepper on top.
Notes
Use Chicken Cutlets – Thin slices cook faster and stay juicy.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Al dente holds up better in the creamy sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water – Helps thin the sauce if needed without losing flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Oil – For extra richness, sauté garlic in the oil from the tomatoes.
Fresh Basil – Adds a bright, herby contrast to the rich sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American