Description
Irresistible marry me chicken pasta promises culinary romance with creamy parmesan sauce and tender chicken. Rich Italian-inspired flavors blend seamlessly, making you crave each delightful bite of this comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
Pasta and Starches:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) dried pasta of choice
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Cooking Liquids and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish:
- Basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta in salted boiling water according to package guidelines, ensuring an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, introducing finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until aromatics become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
- Incorporate butter and chicken pieces into the skillet, generously seasoning with a blend of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Sear chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through, developing rich caramelized edges.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, reducing and thickening into a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
- Fold in vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, creating layers of intense Mediterranean flavor. Add the prepared pasta, carefully tossing to ensure each strand is lavishly covered with the decadent sauce.
- Finish the dish by scattering delicate, torn basil leaves across the top, providing a burst of fresh herbaceous notes. Serve immediately while the pasta remains piping hot and sauce remains silky.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, creamy flavor profile.
- Reduce heavy cream and use half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie alternative without compromising taste.
- Toast sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding to enhance their deep, concentrated sweetness and release additional aromatic oils.
- Allow sauce to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help it thicken naturally and develop more complex flavor depths.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg