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Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pan marry me chicken pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan creamy chicken pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of heat. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (jar-packed in oil preferred)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups (720 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 8 oz (225 g) uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (or substitute fresh oregano)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breasts into thin strips about ½ inch thick. Season lightly with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add chicken strips in a single layer. Cook without moving for about 3 minutes until golden on one side, then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. (6 minutes)
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes. (2 minutes)
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift browned bits. Add uncooked pasta in an even layer. Stir gently to submerge pasta. (2 minutes)
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid slightly ajar. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking. Pasta should be tender but firm. (15 minutes)
  7. Stir in heavy cream and softened cream cheese until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Return chicken strips to the pan, nestling into the sauce. (5 minutes)
  8. Add chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Let warm through for 2 minutes. (2 minutes)
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen. Stir pasta gently every 5 minutes during simmering to prevent sticking. Use fresh or fully thawed chicken for best results. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with brown rice or chickpea pasta. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, one-pan meal, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, marry me chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-one-pan-marry-me-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-and-delicious-meal-idea/