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Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 70 reviews

This Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with a luscious sauce made from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and a touch of smoked paprika. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and garnished with fresh basil, it’s a comforting and impressive meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

Pasta

  • ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta

Garnish

  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the skillet and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux and cook out the raw flour taste.
  3. Create the Sauce: Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken broth followed by the heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until it is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
  4. Add Flavor: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and dried Italian seasoning into the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes to meld the flavors together.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, submerging it in the sauce, and let it simmer briefly. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta well and toss it into the skillet with the sauce and chicken, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the pasta and chicken. Serve the dish immediately while it is warm, creamy, and flavorful.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
  • Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add a richer flavor; drain them well before chopping.
  • Use gluten-free flour or gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop adding a splash of broth or cream to restore sauce consistency.

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken, skillet chicken pasta, Italian pasta recipe