Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 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; ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta; Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that impresses and tastes amazing, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delicious pasta in a way that feels special yet is easy to make. It’s perfect for date nights or family dinners. Plus, the name alone makes it fun to share with loved ones!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
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
½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Season and Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to get rid of any lumps.
Create the Sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, whisking to keep the mixture smooth. Stir until thickened. Add the parmesan and mix until melted.
Add Flavor: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, then toss it into the sauce until completely coated.
Garnish and Serve: Top the dish with fresh chopped basil and serve immediately while it’s still hot and creamy.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta in bowls with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh basil. It’s wonderful alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for those who love to dip!

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken and sauce (avoid freezing the pasta, as it can become mushy).

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Use freshly grated parmesan for a creamier texture and better flavor.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition.
For a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes during the flavor step.

Variation

You can swap out penne pasta for other types like fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs. Additionally, chicken can be replaced with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Just cook the pasta fresh right before serving for the best texture.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: If you want a thicker sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour or let it simmer for longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but make sure to cook them down a bit to bring out their flavor before adding them to the sauce.