Description
Creamy one pot marry me chicken pasta brings together tender chicken and al dente pasta in a luxurious sauce. Parmesan, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes create an irresistible dish you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsps Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet or pot over medium-high heat, then sear seasoned chicken pieces until golden and crisp on all sides, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, releasing its fragrant essence into the pot.
- Pour chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes into the pot. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for robust flavor profile.
- Add uncooked pasta directly into the liquid mixture, ensuring all pasta is submerged. Stir thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Increase heat and bring liquid to a gentle boil, then immediately lower temperature and cover the pot. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
- Fold in grated Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy and rich sauce. Return previously cooked chicken to the pot and gently mix to combine all ingredients.
- Allow mixture to rest for 2 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Finish by scattering freshly chopped basil leaves across the top for a vibrant, aromatic garnish. Serve piping hot directly from the pot.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor and creates a delightful texture.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy richness.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, which absorb the incredible sauce perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg