Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Easy Dinner Recipe (Print Version)
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich sauce over pasta. Ready fast!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Golden-Seared Chicken & Pasta
01 -
1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
10 oz penne pasta
03 -
2 tbsp olive oil
04 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ The Velvety "Marry Me" Sauce
05 -
1 tbsp unsalted butter
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
08 -
1 cup heavy cream
09 -
3/4 cup chicken broth
10 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 -
1 tsp dried oregano
12 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
→ Freshness & Final Flourish
13 -
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
14 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Slice 1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half horizontally. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside for your Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Tonight.
02 -
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 10 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This ensures your Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Tonight has the perfect texture.
03 -
In the same skillet (do not clean), melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 cup drained and chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
04 -
Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 3/4 cup chicken broth. Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 -
Slice the cooked chicken into strips or cubes. Add the drained penne pasta and sliced chicken to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency for this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Tonight.
06 -
Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil leaves. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side salad or crusty bread. Enjoy your delicious and easy "Marry Me" Chicken Pasta!
# Notes:
01 -
For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also swap penne for fettuccine or rigatoni.
02 -
Store any leftover Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
03 -
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette or some warm garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
04 -
Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a beautiful golden crust. This adds incredible flavor to the final dish.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Sharp knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Wooden spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 887 kcal
Total Fat: 43 g
Total Carbohydrate: 64 g
Protein: 60 g