Description
Creamy marry me chicken pasta combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan in a luscious sauce that promises culinary romance. Bold Italian-inspired flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta and Base:
- 10 ounces (283 grams) penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a generously salted water reservoir to a rolling boil and gently submerge pasta, cooking until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully strain the pasta, preserving its texture, and reserve to the side.
- Liberally season the chicken cutlets with aromatic salt and freshly cracked pepper. Heat a robust skillet with olive oil until shimmering, then strategically place chicken pieces to achieve a golden-brown exterior. Sear each side meticulously until the protein is thoroughly cooked and develops a rich caramelized crust. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.
- Utilize the same skillet’s remaining flavor foundations, introducing butter which will melt and create a luxurious base. Introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic, gently sweating them until they become translucent and fragrant. Fold in vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, then cascade chicken broth and velvety cream, allowing the mixture to harmonize and gently bubble.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, smoky paprika, and herbaceous Italian seasoning into the simmering sauce. Allow the liquid to reduce and thicken, creating a silky consistency that clings beautifully to ingredients. Taste and refine seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Reunite the previously prepared chicken and pasta within the aromatic sauce, delicately tossing to ensure each element is generously coated. Garnish with verdant fresh basil leaves and a graceful sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Present immediately to capture the dish’s optimal temperature and textural integrity.
Notes
- Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to help sauce cling perfectly and create delicious bites.
- Ensure chicken is pounded evenly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear that locks in maximum flavor.
- Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the skillet before adding liquids to intensify herb aromatics and depth.
- For gluten-free adaptation, swap regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
- Create a lighter version by replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for reduced calories.
- Leftover sauce transforms wonderfully into a delicious dip or spread for sandwiches and crackers.
- Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat or extra sun-dried tomatoes for more intense Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 725
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg