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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

creamy marry me chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and cozy creamy chicken pasta recipe with a silky sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful herbs, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded or sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended), cooked al dente
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the dried Italian herbs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove chicken, cover loosely with foil, and let rest.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in remaining Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Slice rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top before serving.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid boiling cream to prevent separation. For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Chicken thighs can be used but may require longer cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, easy dinner, cozy meal, weeknight recipe, creamy sauce, chicken pasta