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

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A quick and indulgent creamy chicken pasta with a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, medium-thick pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and let rest, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  3. Lower heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in drained sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently until cheese melts and sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Optionally, puree sauce with an immersion blender for smoothness.
  5. Add red pepper flakes if desired, then adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Toss cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce, stirring gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately warm.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure browning. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Simmer sauce on moderate heat to avoid curdling. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water. Blending sun-dried tomatoes creates a smoother sauce but is optional.

Nutrition

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

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