Description
Creamy, irresistible one-pot marry me chicken pasta promises a romantic dinner that seduces taste buds with its luxurious blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan. Comfort meets passion in this simple yet elegant meal that guarantees culinary love at first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta (or any short pasta)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken in a heated large skillet with olive oil, seasoning thoroughly with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until golden and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a temporary plate.
- In the identical pot, sauté minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes until the aromatics release their intense fragrance.
- Create the sauce foundation by introducing chicken broth and rich heavy cream, whisking to integrate the liquids and generating a smooth, luxurious mixture.
- Carefully nestle the uncooked pasta into the simmering liquid, allowing it to cook gradually while absorbing the creamy sauce. Gently stir intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- As the pasta approaches perfect tenderness, fold in grated parmesan cheese, which will further enrich and thicken the sauce’s consistency.
- Reintroduce the perfectly cooked chicken pieces into the creamy pasta, gently coating each morsel with the velvety sauce.
- Complete the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley across the surface, providing a vibrant herbal contrast to the rich, creamy preparation.
- Serve immediately while the pasta remains piping hot and the sauce maintains its luxurious, silky texture.
Notes
- Customize chicken thickness by pounding breasts to even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent, quick cooking.
- Select low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent over-seasoning the dish.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
- Accommodate gluten-sensitive diets by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Boost protein content by adding extra chicken or incorporating lean Italian sausage for varied texture.
- Create vegetarian version by replacing chicken with roasted mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives.
- Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by monitoring liquid absorption and stirring occasionally during cooking process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg