Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta promises instant romance with its rich parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce. Irresistible Italian-inspired flavors blend tender chicken, herbs, and pasta into a memorable meal guaranteed to win hearts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- ½ cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Liberally coat chicken breasts with salt and ground black pepper, ensuring even seasoning across both sides.
- Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until the butter melts and begins to shimmer.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer chicken to a clean plate, allowing it to rest while preserving the flavorful pan drippings.
- Deglaze the identical skillet by pouring chicken broth, using a wooden spatula to scrape and incorporate all caramelized bits from the bottom.
- Introduce heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, dried Italian herb blend, and crushed red pepper flakes into the liquid.
- Reduce heat and simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces by approximately one-third, around 4-5 minutes.
- Adjust sauce seasoning with additional salt and ground black pepper to personal preference.
- Simultaneously, prepare pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions, cooking until perfectly al dente (typically 8-10 minutes).
- Drain pasta thoroughly, reserving minimal cooking water if needed for sauce consistency.
- Slice rested chicken breasts into elegant diagonal strips.
- Arrange cooked pasta on serving plates, layering sliced chicken atop the pasta.
- Generously ladle the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over chicken and pasta.
- Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving immediately.
Notes
- Elevate your weeknight dinner with this romantic, restaurant-worthy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes.
- Perfectly seared chicken breasts create a golden crust, ensuring juicy and flavorful meat that pairs beautifully with the luxurious sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, concentrated sweetness that cuts through the rich cream sauce, adding depth and complexity to every bite.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making this recipe adaptable for spice lovers and mild palate preferences.
- Fresh basil garnish provides a bright, aromatic finish that transforms this simple pasta into an elegant, Instagram-worthy meal.
- Prep and cook time is under 30 minutes, making this an ideal recipe for busy home cooks craving a delicious, impressive dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg