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Marry me chicken pasta with grilled chicken and creamy sauce.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This creamy, irresistible chicken pasta features tender chicken breast in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce with garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese. So delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 685
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set aside.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside to rest.
Make the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes to cook off alcohol.
  3. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Slice the rested chicken into strips and return to the skillet along with any accumulated juices.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with additional parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated. The dish can be made ahead but may need a splash of cream or broth when reheating. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.