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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Dinner

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A quick and easy creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights. The sauce is rich and velvety, balancing tangy sun-dried tomatoes with tender chicken.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot or onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (120 ml), can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped shallots. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for 1-2 minutes to release their oils and flavor.
  5. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add softened cream cheese in chunks, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra grated Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Soften cream cheese before adding to avoid clumping. Cook chicken in batches if pan is small to avoid steaming. Use medium-low heat when melting cream cheese to keep sauce smooth. Adjust seasoning as you go, and add reserved pasta water to thin sauce if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, comfort food

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