Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy skillet dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a luscious cream sauce tossed with your choice of fettuccine or penne pasta. This comforting American main course is perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook for approximately one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze and Prepare Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then return it to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything until the chicken and pasta are well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the dish before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to make a lighter sauce.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase the dish’s nutritional value and volume.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
