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Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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A quick and easy creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce that’s perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced into thin strips
  • 1/2 cup (about 80 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni recommended)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Add to the hot pan in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth and 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken.
  6. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired creaminess.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Add the drained pasta as well, tossing everything together to evenly distribute sauce and ingredients. Cook together for 1-2 minutes so flavors meld.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
  9. Serve immediately while warm, optionally with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to get a good sear. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor or rehydrate dry-packed ones. Keep the cream at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add Parmesan cheese slowly to prevent grainy sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs at the end for brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/creamy-marry-me-pasta-recipe-with-chicken-and-sun-dried-tomatoes-made-easy/