Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces and penne pasta tossed in a rich sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce, finished with fresh basil for a flavorful and easy dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside for later.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the cut chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same skillet and melt it. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Create Roux and Add Broth: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the garlic and stir well for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, forming a smooth sauce base.
- Add Cream and Flavorings: When the mixture thickens slightly, stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta types such as rigatoni or fusilli.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are oil-packed, drain well to prevent excess oiliness.
- Adjust cream thickness by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding a splash of milk for thinner consistency.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
