Description

Fall in love at first bite with this creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Juicy, golden-seared chicken in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce is tossed with tender pasta for a dish so delicious, it just might spark a proposal! Whether you’re making dinner for someone special or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this pasta is a must-try.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well)
Water and salt for boiling

For Garnish:

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Extra grated parmesan (optional)

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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, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to release their flavor.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Simmer gently for 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Nestle sliced chicken back into the pan and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Use a Meat Thermometer – Ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
Fresh Parmesan – Grate it fresh for the creamiest melt and best flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Tip – Use the oil-packed variety for richer flavor.
Pasta Water – Don’t forget to save some; it helps create a silky sauce.
Double the Sauce – If you love extra creamy pasta, consider making 1.5x the sauce portion.