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

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A quick and easy creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting dish features a luscious sauce that wraps tender chicken and pasta in rich flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 8 oz (225 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons) for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes to soften and release flavor.
  6. Slowly add heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce. Toss in drained pasta and mix until well combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without watering down flavor. Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it tender. Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. Simmer sauce gently to prevent cream from curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy chicken dinner, quick pasta recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner

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