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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

creamy marry me chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy chicken pasta with a rich sun-dried tomato sauce that balances tangy sweetness and savory flavors, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, finely chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred shape)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat dry chicken breasts and slice into thin cutlets about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. (5 minutes)
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. (10 minutes)
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove and set aside. (8 minutes)
  4. Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute until fragrant. (1-2 minutes)
  5. Add chicken broth and simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in heavy cream and cook on low heat for 5-6 minutes until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. (8 minutes)
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed. (3 minutes)
  7. Slice cooked chicken into strips. Add pasta and chicken back to skillet with sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. (2 minutes)
  8. Turn off heat, sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure proper browning. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly grated Parmesan is key for flavor. For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make the dish gluten-free. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomato sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, creamy pasta, chicken recipe