Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy, savory chicken and pasta dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a rich parmesan sauce, perfect for a romantic dinner that promises to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 10 ounces penne pasta
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta
   Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once it's perfectly al dente, drain it and let it sit patiently in a colander while you turn your focus to the chicken and the glorious sauce that's about to happen.

2. Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
   Dice up your boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces that are about an inch wide. Sprinkle those chicken bits with salt and pepper for a simple yet effective seasoning. This will ensure each bite is flavorful.

3. Step 3: Sear the Chicken
   In a large skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, introduce the seasoned chicken. Let it cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are cooked through and have lost their pink color. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it aside for a little reunion later.

4. Step 4: Start the Sauce
   Without cleaning the skillet, add the butter and watch it melt into a golden pool. Toss in the minced garlic, and let its aroma fill your kitchen as it sautés for about 30 seconds.

5. Step 5: Create a Roux
   Stir in the flour, mixing it with the melted butter and garlic to form a smooth paste. This will be the base for a luxuriously creamy sauce, so ensure it's mixed well without any lumps.

6. Step 6: Whisk in the Creamy Components
   Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Keep whisking steadily to achieve a luscious, creamy consistency. Then, fold in the parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce, adding a rich dimension of flavor.

7. Step 7: Add Flavorful Elements
   Mix in the drained sun-dried tomatoes along with paprika and Italian seasoning. This combination will give your sauce a wonderful depth and a touch of sweetness. Taste and add more salt and pepper if it feels it needs a little extra oomph.

8. Step 8: Thicken the Sauce
   Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes. You'll notice it thickening up, becoming more indulgent and ready to coat your chicken and pasta perfectly.

9. Step 9: Combine Chicken and Pasta
   Back in goes the chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Stir everything together to ensure the sauce lovingly coats each piece of chicken and every pasta tube, creating a harmonious blend.

10. Step 10: Garnish and Serve
    Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor. If you're a cheese lover, a last dusting of parmesan cheese on top wouldn't go amiss. Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready to be savored!

Notes

Cooking Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be a joyful experience, but there are a few hiccups to avoid for the best outcome.

One common pitfall is overcooking the chicken. To sidestep this, keep your eye on the clock and ensure the chicken is just cooked through—no more, no less.

Another slip-up is ignoring the importance of seasoning. It’s easy to forget a pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the dish, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.

Finally, when making the sauce, some might rush, forgetting to whisk the mixture until smooth. Take your time here, and you’ll have a creamy, flawless sauce that’s worth the effort.