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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy, rich 30-minute pasta dish with juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a garlic Parmesan sauce that is sure to become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 463
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz dried pasta of choice penne, ziti, or rigatoni recommended
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 lb chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped, oil-packed preferred
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large heavy-duty skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and butter to the pan. Saute for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and all the seasonings. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and cheese melts. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  5. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, grate your own Parmesan cheese as it melts more smoothly into the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or broth.