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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked to golden perfection and tossed with al dente pasta in a rich parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce. This quick and comforting one-pan meal combines garlic, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream to create a velvety sauce that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Chicken & Pasta

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces fusilli or penne pasta

Sauce

  • 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup reserved pasta water
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken and pasta: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces to ensure even cooking and quick preparation.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil a pot of salted water and cook the fusilli or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ⅓ cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
  4. Make the sauce – Sauté garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add unsalted butter and melt over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Make a roux: Stir in the flour and cook it while stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
  6. Incorporate liquids: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and the reserved pasta water, ensuring the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
  7. Add flavorings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Continue to cook the sauce gently, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  8. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer together for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and ensure the chicken is heated through.
  9. Add the pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce.
  10. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta warm for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it will be less creamy.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be drained or used with the oil for extra flavor.
  • Fresh basil is optional but adds a fresh herbal note that complements the rich sauce.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/marry-me-chicken-pasta-recipe-3/