There’s something truly magical about a dish that blends tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta together in perfect harmony. “Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes” embodies that delightful warmth and comfort we all crave, making it the ultimate choice for a family dinner or a quiet night at home. As a food blogger who loves sharing timeless recipes, I believe that this dish is pure comfort on a plate — it’s not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating moments and memories.
This recipe features simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. With just two chicken breasts, eight ounces of pasta (options like penne or fettuccine), one cup of sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped), one cup of heavy cream, one cup of chicken broth, and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, you’ll enjoy a rich flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds. The addition of minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of fresh basil elevates the dish to a new level of deliciousness. Each bite offers that perfect balance of savory and creamy, complemented by the subtle brightness from the basil and tomatoes.
Cooking this dish is incredibly straightforward, making it ideal for home cooks of any skill level. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions and setting it aside. In a large skillet, you’ll heat olive oil and season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. After cooking them until golden and perfectly done, you will remove them to rest. Next, you’ll sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and mix in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Finally, combine everything together with the pasta and sliced chicken, then garnish with fresh basil. It’s as simple as that!
This dish shines particularly on chilly nights when you want something hearty to warm you up. It’s also great for potlucks or family gatherings, where everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal together. With its inviting aroma and comforting taste, “Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes” is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry, which means you can whip it up without a trip to the store.
- Comfort Food: The creamy sauce paired with hearty pasta and succulent chicken is the epitome of comfort food.
- Family Friendly: This dish appeals to all ages, making it a guaranteed hit at the dining table.
- Versatile: It easily adapts to various tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Chicken Tips
When selecting the chicken for this recipe, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and are easy to slice after cooking. Look for chicken that is pink in color, with no signs of browning or excessive liquid. If buying pre-packaged chicken, check the expiration date to ensure freshness. You could also consider using organic or free-range chicken for a richer flavor and more humane source. Remember to let the chicken rest after cooking, as this helps retain moisture and ensure tender bites.
Options for Substitutions
- Pasta Type: You can substitute penne or fettuccine with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta according to your dietary preferences.
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half or Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can replace Italian seasoning if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Stock Choices: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re lactose intolerant, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute for a similar taste without lactose.
- Additional Veggies: Consider adding spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cooking for too long can dry out the meat. Aim for 6-7 minutes per side over medium heat, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Another pitfall is under-seasoning. Make sure to generously season the chicken before cooking, as well as adjusting the salt and pepper in the sauce. Lastly, don’t rush the simmering process after adding the broth and cream; allowing the sauce to thicken properly ensures a rich and creamy texture that coats the pasta delightfully.
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
This delectable pasta pairs nicely with a fresh garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Consider serving a crusty garlic bread on the side to mop up the delicious sauce. You could also serve sautéed green beans or roasted vegetables to add a colorful and nutritious component to your meal.
Storage Instructions
Store: You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freeze: If you have extra, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn.
Reheat: For best results, reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creaminess. If using a microwave, warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round to heat evenly.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 700-800
- Protein: 45-55g
- Fat: 35-45g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden-brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them together for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined and the cheese has melted.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Slice the rested chicken and place it atop the pasta.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your dish by garnishing with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Conclusion
“Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes” is a delightful dish that perfectly marries flavors and simplicity. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty pasta make it a fulfilling meal for all occasions. I invite you to try this comforting recipe for your next dinner. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make—I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Just combine everything before serving.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store it in airtight containers.
How can I make this dish lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden-brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them together for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined and the cheese has melted.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Slice the rested chicken and place it atop the pasta.
- Finish your dish by garnishing with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
This dish is great for potlucks and family gatherings. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg