Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe
Juicy chicken and al dente pasta tossed in a rich, herb-infused cream sauce with sweet sun-dried tomatoes and a kick of red pepper flakes. Romantic, indulgent, and perfect for date night or impressing guests!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (sliced into cutlets)
- 12 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni
- 3 tbsp olive oil use oil from sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped (reserve 2 tbsp oil)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter version
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for garnish
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Sear chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 mins per side until golden. Remove and slice into strips.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Sauté garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes for 1–2 mins until fragrant.
- Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 mins.
- Finish sauce: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer 3–5 mins until thickened. Add spinach (if using) and cook until wilted.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce. Add pasta water as needed to loosen.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Video
Notes
- Lighter option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and ensure broth is GF.
- Vegetarian: Omit chicken, use veggie broth, and add roasted chickpeas or mushrooms.
- Add-ins: Stir in artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or crispy bacon.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
- Pro tip: For extra tang, add a splash of lemon juice or 1 tbsp balsamic glaze!