Description
Irresistible marry me chicken pasta delivers a romantic culinary experience that promises pure comfort and flavor. Creamy parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes create a passionate dish you cannot resist sharing with someone special.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- Fresh basil (chopped)
- Additional parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare penne pasta according to package directions, then drain and reserve.
- Generously season chicken pieces with salt and pepper for robust flavor.
- Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, then sear chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium, melt butter, and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour into the butter-garlic mixture, continuously stirring to develop a smooth roux for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually incorporate chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes silky and uniform.
- Introduce sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the sauce, creating a rich flavor profile. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Allow sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, gently thickening and concentrating flavors.
- Reunite cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, easy-to-cook protein that absorbs sauce flavors perfectly.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce, ensuring a delightful texture.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
- Gluten-Free Hack: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce without compromising taste or texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 576 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg