Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, rich parmesan sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed with penne pasta. It's the perfect dish for a special dinner or a weeknight indulgence. Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients

• For the Chicken and Pasta:
• 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Marry Me Pasta Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the 16 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-9 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Marry Me Pasta Sauce
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and melt over medium heat. Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.
Add 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Stir in ½ teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
Stir in ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and coat the chicken.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
If desired, add 1 cup of baby spinach and stir until it wilts slightly.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy this rich, creamy, and irresistible dish!

Tips and Conclusion

Tips:
Customize the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of spinach, try adding other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
Make it Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying the next day!