MARRY ME CHICKEN PASTA RECIPE
"Marry Me Chicken" gets its name because it's supposedly so delicious, anyone who tastes it will want to marry the person who made it! This creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan-infused pasta dish with tender chicken is indeed incredibly flavorful and satisfying. It's perfect for a romantic dinner or any occasion where you want to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained and chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- Season and cook chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add Parmesan and herbs: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and fresh parsley. Add red pepper flakes, if using. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are recommended for this recipe. Make sure to drain them well before chopping.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is what makes this sauce so rich and decadent. You can substitute half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but the sauce won't be as creamy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese if possible, as it melts better than pre-grated cheese.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley add a bright and fresh flavor to the dish.