Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and add extra flavor to the dish. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for even cooking.

How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk , and use whole wheat pasta instead of regular penne.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try cherry tomatoes (sautéed for a few minutes) or roasted red peppers for a similar tangy-sweet flavor.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Superb Recipe

Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Pasta

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
10 ounces penne pasta
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic & Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for another minute to form a smooth paste.
Build the Sauce: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a velvety texture.
Add the Seasonings & Tomatoes: Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, thickening slightly and blending all the flavors together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together until evenly combined and heated through.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
To make the sauce extra silky, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water before serving.
This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
Calories: 646 kcal
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 962mg
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 41g
Cholesterol: 145mg