Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
This indulgent pasta dish features juicy chicken in a creamy, cheesy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s called “Marry Me Chicken” because it’s so delicious it might just inspire a proposal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Top the pasta with sliced chicken and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creamy texture.
This cheesy, creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is sure to become a family favorite! ❤️