Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts combined with al dente penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of paprika, it’s a flavorful meal perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 10 ounces penne pasta
Chicken
- 1 and 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Additional grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil penne in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside for later use.
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 6 to 8 minutes per side or until they are fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a plate; keep warm.
- Make the Roux: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt the unsalted butter, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the all-purpose flour, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Cheese: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy without any lumps.
- Season and Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta with Sauce: Slice or shred the cooked chicken breasts if desired, then return them to the skillet along with the cooked penne pasta. Toss all ingredients together in the creamy sauce until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy marry me chicken pasta warm. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated parmesan cheese if desired, adding a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor; you can substitute with roasted red peppers if preferred.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
