Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a one-pan wonder that's perfect for weeknights, date nights, or any time you want a comforting meal that tastes like love in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 📝 Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half to make 4 cutlets)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped, packed in oil preferred
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste
- ¾ –1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or your favorite shape
- Salt for pasta water
- Reserved pasta water optional, for adjusting sauce consistency
- Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Cracked black pepper
- A drizzle of olive oil or chili oil
Notes
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Prepare the Chicken
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets.
- Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove from the pan and set aside. Cover with foil to keep warm.
3. Make the Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up flavorful bits.
4. Build the Creamy Sauce
- Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
5. Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce simmers, boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
6. Combine Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Add chicken and drained pasta to the sauce.
- Toss gently until well coated. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan, chopped herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil or chili oil if desired.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad on the side.