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Marry Me Chicken Pasta served with garlic bread and salad

Marry Me Recipe Chicken Pasta

A rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta made with juicy chicken breasts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 720

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces 340 g penne pasta
  • For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let it rest.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, then gradually add the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
  8. Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet.
  9. Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil and parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
Don't overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide the best flavor.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.