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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with penne, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and melted mozzarella. Rich, cheesy, and homemade on a white plate.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

4 from 1 vote
This rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan in a velvety garlic-herb sauce. Inspired by Italian flavors and viral for a reason, it’s the perfect romantic dinner that’s both easy and unforgettable.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Dinner, Main Course, pasta
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian-American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces Chicken breasts Boneless, skinless
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper To taste
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil Divided
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • ½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes Adjust for spice level
  • ½ cup Sun-dried tomatoes In oil, chopped
  • ¾ cup Chicken broth Low sodium preferred
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme Or ¼ teaspoon dried
  • 8 oz Penne pasta Or pasta of choice
  • ½ cup Pasta water Reserved from boiling
  • 1 cup Fresh spinach Optional, stir in at end
  • ½ cup Fresh mozzarella Torn into pieces for topping
  • ¼ cup Fresh basil For garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet Deep-sided, for sauce and chicken
  • Pasta pot For boiling pasta
  • Knife For slicing chicken and herbs
  • Cutting board Use for both meat and herbs separately
  • Cheese Grater For fresh parmesan
  • Measuring cups/spoons For accurate portions
  • Wooden spoon Or silicone spatula for stirring

Method
 

  1. Sear – Sear chicken in olive oil until golden on both sides.
  2. Remove – Transfer chicken to a plate to rest.
  3. Sauté – Sauté garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and pepper flakes in skillet.
  4. Deglaze – Add broth, scraping the pan to lift browned bits.
  5. Simmer – Stir in cream and let it gently reduce.
  6. Melt – Add parmesan and thyme; stir until melted and thickened.
  7. Slice – Slice chicken and return to the pan.
  8. Boil – Cook pasta, reserving some water.
  9. Combine – Add pasta to sauce and toss.
  10. Loosen – Use pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  11. Fold – Stir in spinach if using.
  12. Top – Add mozzarella and basil.
  13. Rest – Let sit a few minutes to meld flavors.
  14. Serve – Garnish and serve warm.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimated using automated tools and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please calculate using your specific ingredients.