Description
Succulent marry me chicken pasta blends Italian-inspired flavors with creamy, irresistible charm. Rich parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create a romantic meal that promises to enchant your dinner companion.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 8 oz (226 g) dried pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta in generously salted water, cooking until perfectly tender. Set aside 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid, then carefully drain the pasta.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal cooking surface for the upcoming flavors.
- Gently transform onions into a translucent, soft state over 2-3 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and butter, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for about 30 seconds.
- Introduce seasoned chicken pieces, coating thoroughly with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear for 3-5 minutes until developing a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Create a luxurious sauce by incorporating heavy cream, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, reducing and thickening for 3-4 minutes.
- Fold in sun-dried tomatoes, distributing them evenly throughout the creamy sauce to enhance the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Merge the cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring each strand is completely enveloped in the rich, creamy mixture.
- Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh basil leaves across the top, then serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Always reserve some starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each noodle.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
- Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, velvety texture.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 481 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 375 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg