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Easy One-Pan Lazy Girl Marry Me Chicken Pasta

one-pan marry me chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan chicken pasta recipe with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil preferred)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (480 ml), low sodium recommended
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml) (can substitute half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 8 oz uncooked penne pasta (225 g)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips (about 1/2 inch wide). Mince the garlic and chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Grate the Parmesan cheese and chop fresh basil for garnish.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
  3. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and tomatoes soften.
  4. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add uncooked penne pasta, making sure pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
  5. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover skillet with lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  6. Once pasta is tender and most liquid absorbed, remove lid and stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
  7. Turn off heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

If pasta is too firm after cooking, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and cook a few minutes longer. If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered to thicken. Let skillet sit covered for 2 minutes after cooking for silkier sauce. Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor; soak dry ones in warm water before chopping. Stir often but gently to prevent pasta sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, chicken pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, quick recipe, lazy girl recipe