Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken bites and al dente penne come together in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce that’s sure to impress your family or guests.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
- 3 tbsp butter (I use Kerrygold for richness)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)
- Fresh basil (torn just before serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Step 2: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to form a paste. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer a few minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 5: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well as long as you pound them to an even thickness and avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
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Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender bite-sized chicken pieces, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. This comforting dinner recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop and garnished with fresh basil for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
For the pasta:
- 10 oz penne pasta
For the sauce:
- 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
- 3 tbsp butter (I use Kerrygold for richness)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)
For the garnish:
- fresh basil (torn just before serving)
- additional Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until they are no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to make a paste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Kerrygold butter adds extra richness.
- Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and pasta well in the creamy sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese just before serving. The fresh basil adds a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes.
- Ensure the heavy cream is at room temperature before adding to avoid curdling.
- You can use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer taste.
- Adjust seasoning to taste after combining all ingredients.
- Use fresh basil leaves torn just before serving for optimal fragrance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Sun-dried Tomato Pasta, One Skillet Chicken Pasta, Italian Chicken Dinner
