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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory dish featuring tender chicken thighs, a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe combines rich flavors from garlic, shallots, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs to create an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal that impresses guests and satisfies cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs, seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • Reserved pasta water, as needed

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Finishing Touches

  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • Olive oil drizzle (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and shallots until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Chicken in Sauce: Add sliced chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring well to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish with freshly chopped basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente since it will cook slightly with the sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and maintain a silky sauce.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve brightness.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to avoid cream separating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy chicken dinner, creamy pasta recipe, Italian chicken pasta