Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Calories per Serving: ~650 kcal

Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s so delicious, it might just earn you a proposal! Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then simmered in a rich, garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Tossed with al dente pasta, this dish is restaurant-quality comfort food that’s perfect for date night or a special family dinner.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken & Pasta:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or penne pasta

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, chopped)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp dried basil (or 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped)

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley

• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

3. Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken

1. Slice chicken breasts horizontally to make thinner cutlets.

2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

5. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.

2. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.

4. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano.

5. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

1. Slice the cooked chicken into strips.

2. Add the drained pasta and chicken back to the skillet.

3. Toss with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.

4. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

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Tips & Variations

• For a Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.

• Extra Veggies: Add spinach or mushrooms.

• Protein Swap: Try shrimp or grilled tofu instead of chicken.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Rich & Creamy – The sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce is irresistible.
✔ Quick & Impressive – Ready in 40 minutes, perfect for special occasions.
✔ Versatile – Easy to customize with different proteins or veggies.

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Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its creamy, savory flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress!