Discover the incredibly flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe! Tender chicken, a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes come together in this easy and impressive dish.
Author:Jenny
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz dried pasta of choice
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup onion, finely chopped
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Achieving Al Dente Perfection
Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Add Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water.
Cook According to Package Directions: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, until it’s al dente – cooked through but still firm to the bite.
Drain: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Building the Aromatic Base
Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet.
Sauté: Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Cook the Chicken: Seasoning and Searing for Tenderness
Add Butter: Add the butter to the skillet with the onions and garlic, allowing it to melt completely.
Add Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet.
Season Chicken: Season the chicken generously with ½ teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook Through: Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Rich and Flavorful
Add Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the cooked chicken.
Stir in Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adding a Tangy Sweetness
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Combine with Pasta: Bringing it All Together
Add Cooked Pasta: Add the drained, cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
Toss to Coat: Gently toss the pasta with the sauce until it’s evenly coated.
7. Garnish and Serve: The Final Flourish
Garnish: Garnish the Marry Me Chicken Pasta with fresh basil leaves.
Serve Immediately: Serve immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is creamy.
Troubleshooting Common Problems: Tips for Pasta Success
Sauce Too Thin:
Problem: The sauce is too watery.
Solutions: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes, uncovered, to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also whisk in a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water.
Chicken Dry:
Problem: The chicken is overcooked and dry.
Solutions: Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F or 74°C). Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can also help, as they are more forgiving.
Pasta Sticking Together:
Problem: The cooked pasta is sticking together.
Solutions: Make sure to cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water. Stir the pasta occasionally while it’s cooking. Drain the pasta immediately after cooking and toss it with the sauce right away.