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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This dish is a rich and creamy comfort meal that features tender seared chicken in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce. Infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, it is an indulgent choice for date nights or cozy family dinners. The recipe is simple yet impressive, designed to create a silky sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta such as penne or rigatoni
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips or cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Microplane or grater

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
  3. Save 0.5 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the rest of the pasta.
  4. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
  5. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and sear them in the skillet for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  7. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
  8. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet.
  9. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth and stir the mixture well.
  10. Simmer the sauce for 4 to 5 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
  11. Turn the heat down to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
  12. Stir in the red pepper flakes if you want a bit of extra heat.
  13. Return the seared chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta.
  14. Toss all ingredients together and pour in small amounts of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired creaminess.
  15. Garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley and serve while it is warm.

Notes

Whisking the Parmesan into the sauce slowly over low heat prevents clumping and ensures a silky smooth texture.
If you need a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
The chicken can be seared in batches if the pan is too full to ensure each piece browns properly.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.