Description
Creamy, indulgent one-pot marry me chicken pasta promises pure comfort with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create a romantic dinner that draws you into a delightful culinary embrace.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz (226 g) penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 ½ cups (590 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear Protein: Caramelize chicken in a sizzling skillet with olive oil, seasoning thoroughly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until golden and fully cooked. Transfer protein to a temporary plate.
- Aromatics Activation: Infuse the identical skillet with minced garlic, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fiery red pepper flakes, releasing their intense fragrance and creating a robust flavor foundation.
- Liquid Foundation: Stream chicken broth and velvety heavy cream into the skillet, whisking to create a harmonious, silky base. Elevate temperature until liquid reaches a rolling boil.
- Pasta Integration: Introduce uncooked pasta directly into the bubbling liquid, reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Allow pasta to absorb flavors and cook until perfectly tender and sauce transforms into a luxurious, clingy consistency.
- Final Fusion: Incorporate parmesan cheese, melting it seamlessly into the sauce. Reintroduce previously seared chicken, gently folding to ensure every morsel is lavishly coated with the creamy, aromatic sauce.
- Presentation: Extinguish heat, crown the dish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, delivering a visually stunning and flavor-packed culinary creation ready to be savored immediately.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooking and ensuring food safety.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and achieve perfect al dente consistency without becoming mushy.
- Lower heat when adding cream to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy texture throughout cooking.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly meal, or replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg