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Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces, penne pasta, and a luscious sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients

Chicken and Pasta

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 10 ounces penne pasta
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh basil, chopped
  • Additional Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked to al dente, drain and set aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper for added flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced 2 teaspoons garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour to create a roux paste.
  5. Add Liquids and Cheese: Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously to blend the sauce smoothly.
  6. Incorporate Flavors: Add the drained 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning into the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
  7. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
  8. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Stir well to coat both chicken and pasta evenly with the flavorful sauce.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your warm, creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Notes

  • If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them well to prevent excess oil in the sauce.
  • You can substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle for variety.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note; if unavailable, dried basil may be used but add earlier with the Italian seasoning.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/easy-marry-me-chicken-pasta-recipe/