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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy marry me chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights. The luscious sauce and tender chicken create a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/3 cup (50 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably jarred in oil)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of penne or fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes). Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat dry 1 lb (450 g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove from the pan and let rest on a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic (3 cloves) to the same pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in 1/3 cup (50 g) chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Then add 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
  6. Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce seems too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir in chopped fresh basil for a bright, herbal note.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Keep the heat low when simmering the cream to prevent curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with a vegan alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, comfort food