Description
This 30 Minute Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dish featuring tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sundried tomato sauce. It’s a flavorful, comforting meal that can be prepared in just half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying homemade dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice (about half a standard box)
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Place a large pot of salted water on medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Onions: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Chicken: Add the minced garlic and butter to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta into the pan with the sauce and chicken. Stir well to combine and heat through. Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Reserve the pasta water as it helps in loosening the sauce and binding it to the pasta.
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes to taste.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
- For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and parmesan with a vegan alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
