Description
Irresistible marry me chicken pasta brings Italian-inspired romance to dinner tables with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken. Tender pasta and juicy chicken create a meal so delicious, you won’t be able to resist falling in love with every single bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces (226 grams) dried pasta of choice (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a pot of salted water and cook pasta until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Melt butter in the same skillet, then introduce chicken pieces seasoned with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, ensuring chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and incorporate grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to develop a rich, velvety consistency.
- Introduce chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce, stirring to distribute their tangy flavor throughout the creamy mixture.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently tossing until each strand is luxuriously coated with the herb-infused, creamy sauce.
- Elevate the dish by scattering fresh basil leaves as a vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while piping hot, capturing the full depth of flavors.
Notes
- Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking al dente and rinsing with cold water to stop the cooking process immediately after draining.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and juiciness, ensuring meat remains tender during cooking.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding extra smoked paprika for deeper smoky undertones without overwhelming spiciness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg