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Creamy One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot marry me chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot creamy chicken pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, packed in oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breasts into thin strips about 1/2 inch wide. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in a single layer and brown for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside. (Cook time: 6 minutes)
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. (Cook time: 2 minutes)
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and scrape browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then add dry pasta. Stir well to prevent sticking. (Prep time: 3 minutes)
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check pasta tenderness after 12 minutes. Add broth or water if sauce is too thick. (Cook time: 12-15 minutes)
  6. Add chicken back to the pan along with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until cheese melts and chicken finishes cooking, about 3-4 minutes. (Cook time: 4 minutes)
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh basil if desired. Let rest off heat for 1-2 minutes before serving. (Prep time: 2 minutes)

Notes

Use thin chicken slices for faster cooking and tenderness. Stir gently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking. If sauce is too thin, add more cheese or simmer uncovered briefly; if too thick, add broth or cream. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, sun-dried tomatoes, weeknight meal, comfort food