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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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A delightful pasta dish featuring creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and rich Parmesanโ€”perfect for impressing loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for searing chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (for roux base)
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
  • 12 ounces Penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Create the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sautรฉ for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  3. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix well.
  5. Pasta Time: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water to adjust the sauce if needed.
  6. Bring It All Together: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Toss until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh basil on top, and serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. Adding vegetables like spinach or asparagus can enhance the dish.

Nutrition