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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This rich and creamy pasta dish features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a Parmesan-infused sauce, making it a quick and satisfying Italian-American meal perfect for any night of the week.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Servings: 4
Calories: 560kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 oz dried pasta your choice: penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup onion finely chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 pound chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • ½ teaspoon each:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream or substitute half-and-half for a lighter version
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain and set aside.

Sauté Onions and Garlic

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onions and minced garlic.
  • Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

  • Add butter to the skillet.
  • Add the chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.

Make the Sauce

  • Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Combine and Serve

  • Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked pasta.
  • Toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.
Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for even more cheesy goodness.
Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.