This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy and delicious dish that features tender chicken and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
You might even want to wear your best outfit when serving this one, as it could win over anyone’s heart. I love that it comes together easily, making weeknight dinners feel special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the dish light and tender. You can substitute with thighs for extra juiciness, or even shrimp if you want a seafood twist!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a rich, tangy flavor. If you don’t have them, try using fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers, but be mindful they will change the sauce’s depth.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
Pasta: Penne works great here, but you can swap it for fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly!
How Do I Get the Chicken to Cook Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken so it’s perfectly browned and juicy takes some attention. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high and add olive oil, allowing it to shimmer. Add the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Don’t flip them too often; let them develop that lovely golden color!
- Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part; it should no longer be pink inside. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest for a few minutes; this keeps it juicy!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. With a little bit of chopping, sautéing, and mixing, you’ll have a delicious homemade meal ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it should still have a slight bite to it!). After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts on both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will give the chicken nice flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for a few minutes.
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step builds wonderful flavors!
5. Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir everything together. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any delicious browned bits! This adds depth to your sauce.
6. Add Cheese and Spice:
Now it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Keep tasting to see if the heat is to your liking!
7. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Add the drained pasta into the creamy sauce and toss well to ensure every piece is coated.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Plate up the creamy pasta and top it with the sliced chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and some extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
9. Enjoy:
Serve this dish warm and watch as your loved ones rave about its richness and flavor! This dish is sure to impress anyone you serve it to!
Can I Use Different Pasta for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking times to ensure it doesn’t get overcooked!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or a cashew cream made from blended cashews and water!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
