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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

How to Make the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in 30 Minutes

Want a dinner that impresses every time? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is rich, easy, and totally crave-worthy. Discover the secret!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts 1.5 pounds Thinly sliced or pounded to even thickness
  • All-purpose flour 1/4 cup For dredging
  • Salt and pepper To taste For seasoning
  • Olive oil 2 tablespoons For sautéing
  • Garlic 4 cloves minced Fresh is best
  • Heavy cream 1 cup Half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter version
  • Chicken broth 1/2 cup Low-sodium preferred
  • Sun-dried tomatoes 1/2 cup chopped Oil-packed, drained
  • Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon Or mix of dried basil oregano, and thyme
  • Red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon Adjust to taste
  • Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup freshly grated Plus extra for serving
  • Fresh basil 1/4 cup chopped For garnish
  • Fettuccine pasta 12 ounces Penne or linguine work well too
  • Salt 1 tablespoon For pasta water
  • Reserved pasta water 1/2 cup To adjust sauce consistency

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken Foundation
    ❶ Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully slice horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or place between plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
    ❷ In a shallow dish, combine flour with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
    ❸ Pat chicken dry with paper towels—this crucial step ensures proper browning.
    ❹ Lightly dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, shaking gently to remove excess.
    Master the Perfect Chicken Sear
    ❶ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
    ❷ Carefully place floured chicken pieces in the hot pan, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if necessary).
    ❸ Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until deeply golden brown on the first side.
    ❹ Flip once and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.
    ❺ Transfer chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm while capturing valuable resting juices.
    Create the Signature Sauce
    ❶ Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same pan, sautéing for just 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
    ❷ Pour in chicken broth while using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the pan bottom.
    ❸ Once deglazed, stir in heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
    ❹ Bring mixture to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil).
    ❺ Allow sauce to reduce and thicken slightly for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    ❻ Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and incorporated.
    ❼ Taste sauce and adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
    Cook the Pasta to Perfection
    ❶ While preparing the chicken and sauce, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
    ❷ Add 1 tablespoon salt to the boiling water—this should make the water taste like seawater.
    ❸ Add pasta and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente (tender but with slight resistance when bitten).
    ❹ Before draining, carefully reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
    ❺ Drain pasta without rinsing—the starchy exterior is essential for proper sauce adhesion.
    Combine Components and Finish with Flair
    ❶ Decide whether to slice chicken into strips or keep whole based on presentation preference.
    ❷ Add drained pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet, using tongs to gently toss until every strand is gloriously coated.
    ❸ If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
    ❹ Return chicken to the skillet, either nestling pieces into the pasta or arranging on top.
    ❺ Allow everything to warm together for 1-2 minutes over low heat.
    ❻ Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired.
    ❼ Serve immediately to experience the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe at its peak perfection.

Notes

📊 Nutritional Information

The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe makes approximately 4 servings with the following nutritional values per serving:
Nutrient Amount
Calories 650
Protein 38g
Carbohydrates 52g
Fat 32g
Saturated Fat 15g
Cholesterol 125mg
Sodium 580mg
Fiber 3g
Sugar 4g
Keyword creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, one-pan meal, date night, comfort food, quick recipe, romantic dinner