Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Some dishes are so rich and flavorful that they just might inspire a marriage proposal—this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of them! Creamy, garlicky, and packed with sun-dried tomatoes, this dish brings together juicy chicken and tender pasta in a luscious parmesan-infused sauce. Whether you’re cooking for date night or just craving a cozy, indulgent meal, this pasta is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, if needed)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent sticking)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.
  2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

3. Make the Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  5. Add Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  6. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If needed, mix cornstarch with water and stir in to thicken the sauce.

4. Combine Everything

  1. Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
  2. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
  3. Stir in fresh basil and mix well.
  4. Return sliced chicken to the skillet, letting it warm through for 2 minutes.

5. Serve & Garnish

  1. Divide into bowls or plates.
  2. Garnish with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Use high-quality Parmesan for the richest flavor.
  • Adjust thickness by adding extra broth if the sauce is too thick or cornstarch if it’s too thin.
  • Swap proteins by using shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
  • Make it even creamier by adding a dollop of mascarpone cheese.

What to Serve with It

  • Garlic bread or a side of focaccia
  • A simple arugula or Caesar salad
  • Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is indulgent, comforting, and bursting with flavor. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s worthy of a proposal!

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