Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, rich parmesan sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed with penne pasta. It's the perfect dish for a special dinner or a weeknight indulgence. Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients

• For the Chicken and Pasta:
• 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Marry Me Pasta Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

Preparation Method

1. Cook 12 ounces of penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Season 16 ounces of chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown, about 7-9 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, sauté 4 cloves of minced garlic, then stir in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, bringing to a simmer. Add ½ teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of grated parmesan, stirring until smooth.
4. Add the cooked chicken and ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Toss in the cooked pasta and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Optionally, add 1 cup of baby spinach and stir until wilted.
5. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot. Enjoy!

Tips and Conclusion

Tips:
Customize the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of spinach, try adding other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
Make it Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying the next day!