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

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A comforting and flavorful chicken pasta dish featuring a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that balances tanginess and indulgence. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained (about 75 g)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni recommended)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz (340 g) pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat dry chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside to rest.
  4. Lower heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften and release flavor.
  6. Transfer garlic and tomato mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender in the pan. Add 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  7. Pour blended sauce back into skillet and simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
  8. Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Slice rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add chicken and drained pasta to skillet with sauce. Toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick. Heat together for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy; use a meat thermometer to reach 165°F (74°C). Blending sun-dried tomatoes creates a smooth sauce texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh basil added at the end brightens the dish. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Chicken thighs can be used but may require longer cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomato sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, creamy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/creamy-marry-me-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-sun-dried-tomato-sauce/