Description
Irresistible marry me chicken pasta brings Italian-inspired romance to dinner tables with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken. Parmesan-coated perfection promises to sweep anyone off their feet with one delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 10 ounces (283 grams) penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta in a generously salted, rolling boiling water until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve to the side.
- Season the chicken pieces with a robust blend of salt and ground pepper. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal searing environment. Cook the chicken until it develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches complete doneness. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet and introduce butter, allowing it to melt seamlessly. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, creating a rich foundational layer.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to create a harmonious blend. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, developing depth and complexity.
- Introduce Parmesan cheese, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the simmering sauce. Let the mixture reduce and thicken, periodically tasting and adjusting the seasoning profile with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Reunite the seared chicken with the luxurious sauce, then fold in the prepared pasta. Ensure each element is thoroughly coated and warmed through.
- Present the dish garnished with freshly torn basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, creamy sauce profile.
- Reduce cream and use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that keeps the dish’s luxurious texture.
- Control sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt additions during seasoning stages.
- Gluten-free adaptation works perfectly with alternative pasta like chickpea or zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg