Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines the best of hearty chicken and creamy pasta with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the depth of Parmesan cheese. It’s surprisingly easy to make but tastes like something from a fancy restaurant. The sauce is velvety and packed with flavor, while the tender chicken adds protein and substance. Ideal for date nights, family dinners, or anytime you want a cozy, impressive meal.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Pasta:
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Chicken:
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Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove chicken from skillet and let rest; then slice thinly.
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Make the Sauce:
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Combine and Serve:
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Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet.
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Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
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Enjoy:
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Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Add Vegetables: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Use Different Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey breast.
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Spice it Up: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta to maintain texture.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Avoid boiling the cream sauce; simmer gently and add cheese off the heat to prevent curdling.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Fresh tomatoes will work but won’t provide the same concentrated flavor. You may want to roast them first.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy if you use red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted or omitted to taste.
What kind of pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or any pasta that holds sauce well are great choices.
Can I add extra cheese?
Absolutely, sprinkle extra Parmesan or mozzarella on top before serving.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or a meat substitute.
Can I use low-fat cream?
Heavy cream is best for richness, but half-and-half can be used with a thinner sauce.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for special occasions. With tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it delivers a satisfying meal that will keep everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, rich, and flavorful dinner recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make dish combines the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes with the depth of Parmesan cheese, creating an elegant, comforting meal ideal for date nights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and slice thinly.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Combine and Serve: Add pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra nutrition, add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to the sauce.Substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey for variation.To make dairy-free, use coconut or cashew cream and dairy-free cheese.Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with added cream or broth if needed.
