Print

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Dinner

creamy marry me chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and comforting creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. The rich sauce and tender chicken make it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g), pounded slightly
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (jarred in oil recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (120ml)
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or favorite long pasta
  • Handful of fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, black pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove and let rest.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic in the same skillet for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  8. Slice rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and add back to the sauce. Warm through for 2 minutes.
  9. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce. Add more pasta water if needed.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Do not rush searing the chicken to get a golden crust that locks in juices. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, creamy sauce, fettuccine pasta