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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Basil Parmesan Dinner

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A quick and easy creamy chicken pasta dish with fresh basil and Parmesan, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights. This recipe balances rich cream sauce with fresh flavors for a comforting yet light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup (about 75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pound the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This takes about 5 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water. Set pasta aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and let rest.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. When melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth and 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Stir gently, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir until cheese melts smoothly. Add salt and pepper to taste. This takes 2-3 minutes.
  7. Slice rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add pasta and chicken back to skillet. Toss gently to coat in sauce. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil at the end.
  8. Optionally, stir in 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for tangy contrast. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts for even cooking and juiciness. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Save pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Add fresh basil at the end to preserve flavor and color. Rest chicken before slicing to keep it tender. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, basil pasta, Parmesan chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, creamy sauce, chicken pasta recipe

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-marry-me-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-basil-parmesan-dinner/