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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 61 reviews

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender diced chicken breasts cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a mix of Italian seasonings. Tossed with al dente penne pasta and coated in a rich sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and pesto, this meal is perfect for a comforting yet impressive dinner that can be ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 2 cups dried penne pasta

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1 lb chicken breasts (skinless and boneless, diced)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red chili pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 1/2 large yellow onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 tbsp pesto

Garnish

  • Basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss the diced chicken breasts in the seasoning blend until fully coated on all sides.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sauté for about 5-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional 1 minute while stirring.
  5. Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the grated Parmesan cheese and pesto. Stir continuously to combine all ingredients into a smooth sauce.
  6. Add pasta to the sauce: Return the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir well to fully coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Combine chicken and warm through: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir and allow the chicken to warm through for 1-2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for garnish. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free meal.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red chili flakes.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes can be swapped with fresh cherry tomatoes for a milder flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/marry-me-chicken-pasta-recipe/