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This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is pure comfort on a plate. Tender chicken meets a rich sun-dried tomato cream that's perfect for a cozy night in or wowing friends at dinner.
I whipped this up to surprise someone special and it quickly became a go-to thanks to the saucy goodness and hearty pasta.
What You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts: juicy and perfect with creamy sauce. Fresh and firm works best.
- Butter and olive oil: start off the base with rich, smooth flavor.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: add subtle savory notes without taking over.
- Italian seasoning: gives those herbal hints that tie cream and tomatoes nicely.
- Heavy cream and chicken broth: make a thick, velvety sauce. Using good broth really boosts taste.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: add a sweet and tangy pop that cuts through the cream.
- Parmesan cheese: makes the sauce creamy and savory. Freshly grated is best.
- Bowtie pasta or farfalle: holds onto sauce with a fun shape.
- Basil leaves fresh: for a bright, fresh finish on top.
- Red pepper flakes: pop in some if you want a little heat.
Step-By-Step Cooking Guide
- Season The Chicken:
- Coat chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides for a tasty crust.
- Cook The Chicken:
- Warm olive oil in a big pan on medium-high. Fry chicken about 5 to 6 minutes each side until golden and cooked through. Take it out and set aside.
- Make The Sauce Base:
- Drop butter in the same pan. Melt it, then toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook about 1 to 2 minutes to bring out their flavor.
- Simmer Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir it up and let it bubble gently to thicken.
- Mix In Parmesan:
- Fold in freshly grated Parmesan till the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Prepare The Pasta:
- Boil bowtie pasta in salted water according to the package. Drain it well and put aside.
- Add Chicken To Sauce:
- Cut chicken into strips and toss it back in the pan with the sauce. Let it simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Coat Pasta With Sauce:
- Put the drained pasta into the pan. Stir well to cover every piece in creamy sauce.
- Finish And Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh basil on top and add red pepper flakes if you like. Serve right away for best taste.
This dish is a favorite of mine thanks to that sunny burst from the dried tomatoes. I once made this for a big family get-together and the pasta vanished fast.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, go slow and low. Splash in some cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
Swap It Up
Try chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier bites. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you want it lighter. Add mushrooms or fresh spinach to bring in some earthiness and color.
Great Things To Serve With It
A bright green salad with lemon dressing balances the richness well. Garlic bread makes it extra cozy. A cold Chardonnay wine pairs nicely with the creamy tomato sauce.
This meal always feels like a warm hug. It makes any day feel special. Just a little care with the sauce turns it into something you won't forget.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Which pasta is best for this?
Farfalles, or bowtie pasta, hold the creamy sauce great, but penne and fusilli work well too.
- → Can I swap heavy cream for something lighter?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it won't be as thick or rich.
- → How do I keep chicken juicy and soft?
Give the chicken a good seasoning and sear it on medium-high until nicely browned. Take it off right when done so it doesn’t dry out.
- → What veggies can I add to make it healthier?
Throw in cooked spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini when you're making the sauce—they add nutrients and taste great with the creaminess.
- → Is this dish spicy at all?
You can sprinkle in red pepper flakes at the end if you want a gentle heat. Adjust to what you like.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Put leftovers in an airtight box and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them up gently to keep the sauce yummy.