Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta seduces palates with its luxurious blend of sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and rich cream sauce. Parmesan-kissed and herb-infused, this Italian-inspired dish promises to win hearts and spark culinary romance with its irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Generously season chicken tenderloins with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and creates a slight ripple effect.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a rich golden-brown crust. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior appears crispy and caramelized.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest while preparing the sauce.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add finely minced garlic, sautéing for approximately 60 seconds until the aroma becomes fragrant and the garlic turns slightly translucent.
- Pour heavy cream, chicken broth, and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Reduce heat and simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, allowing it to thicken and develop deep, complex flavors for about 5 minutes.
- Simultaneously, cook pasta in a separate pot of salted water according to package instructions until it reaches al dente consistency. Reserve of pasta water before draining.
- Slice the rested chicken into diagonal strips and gently reintroduce them into the creamy sauce.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the rich, velvety sauce. If needed, incorporate reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately, presenting a luxurious and aromatic pasta dish that promises to tantalize taste buds.
Notes
- Perfect for impressing your sweetheart, this chicken pasta delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen.
- Creamy sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs creates an explosive flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Cooking chicken separately ensures a golden-brown exterior and juicy interior, preventing soggy or undercooked meat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and smoother sauce consistency compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
- Thyme and oregano bring Mediterranean-inspired depth, transforming simple ingredients into a sophisticated meal.
- Allow sauce to simmer gently, which helps blend flavors and naturally thicken without burning or separating cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg