Try this rich and easy pasta recipe for a weeknight or a special night.
introduction
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta gives you tender chicken in a creamy tomato and Parmesan sauce with pasta. It cooks fast and fills the house with a nice smell. You can learn more about the cook on the about me page.
why make this recipe
- It tastes rich and creamy but stays simple to make.
- It uses common pantry items and cooks in one skillet plus a pot for pasta.
- It feels like a restaurant dish you can make at home.
- If you like warm spices, you can read about a spice idea on cinnamon for memory loss.
how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Make the sauce first, then add the chicken and pasta. Sear the chicken to get color. Use the pan bits to build flavor. For a similar creamy chicken method, see creamy chicken tortilla soup. Follow the full steps below to finish the dish.
Ingredients :
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for searing
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions :
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.
how to serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve in warm bowls. Add extra Parmesan on top. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables go well with it. Offer crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
how to store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Slice chicken thin for quick, even cooking.
- Brown the chicken well for more flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer a few minutes to thicken, or add a small pinch of cornstarch mixed with water.
- For sauce tips and texture ideas, check the homemade loaded potato soup notes.
variation (if any)
- Swap chicken for shrimp or cooked sausage for a different protein.
- Add spinach or mushrooms in the sauce for extra veg.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Check the recipe disclaimer if you need allergy or substitution guidance.
FAQs
Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Cut it into pieces and add it at the end to warm through.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work well. Any pasta that holds sauce will do.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can try a dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan substitute, but the taste will change.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freezing cream sauces can change texture. It is best to freeze only if you do not mind a slight change, or freeze the chicken and pasta separately.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.