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+ servings

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy, rich marry me chicken pasta with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 720

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or more to taste
Pasta
  • 10 oz favorite pasta (e.g., penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
  • Salt for pasta water
Sauce
  • 2 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes or olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese about 4 oz
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for garnish
Garnish
  • 1/2 oz fresh basil leaves, torn about 1/4 cup

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken with cornstarch, 1 teaspoon oregano, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Make the Sauce
  1. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon oregano, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat in the sauce, then let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Finish with Pasta
  1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve
  1. Divide among plates or bowls. Garnish with torn fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 42gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 860mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10g

Notes

Reserve pasta water before draining; it helps adjust the sauce's thickness. Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding the chicken. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded. Dice chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking. Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference. Add fresh basil at the end for brightness. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.

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