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Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 12 reviews

A creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a savory parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce with Italian spices. This best marry me chicken pasta combines a luscious sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta, garnished with fresh basil for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced or cubed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

Pasta & Garnish

  • ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the sliced or cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear it until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
  3. Create the Sauce: Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Follow by adding the heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until it melts evenly into the sauce.
  4. Add Flavor: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and dried Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes to incorporate all the flavors.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce to blend the flavors. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it into the skillet with the sauce and chicken, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the pasta, then serve immediately while hot and creamy for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
  • Use gluten-free flour or pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce but expect it to be less rich.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are preferred for richer flavor and texture.
  • Make sure to drain the sun-dried tomatoes well to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better and offers superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, Italian chicken recipe, penne pasta recipes

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/best-marry-me-chicken-pasta-recipe/