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Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan sauce served over penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Chicken and Pasta

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 10 ounces penne pasta
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Additional parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 10 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Season the chicken evenly with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a paste, cooking for 1 minute while stirring.
  5. Add Liquids and Cheese: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth, followed by 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
  6. Season and Simmer: Stir in 1 cup of drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken further.
  7. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the chicken and pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves on top and add extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
  • Use low-fat cream or milk for a lighter version, but the sauce might be less rich.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be used; just drain them well before adding.
  • Fresh basil adds a nice bright flavor but can be substituted with parsley if unavailable.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead by cooking the pasta and chicken separately, then combining before serving.

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