Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Printer-Friendly)

Penne and tender chicken coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 ounces penne pasta

→ Protein

02 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1.5 pounds)

→ Seasonings

03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

→ Oils and Fats

07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons butter

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

09 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
10 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
11 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

→ Sauce

12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 1 cup chicken broth
14 - 1 cup heavy cream
15 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

16 - Chopped fresh basil (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for 1 minute. Whisk in flour continuously to form a roux; cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir until fully incorporated.
04 - Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and oregano. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
05 - Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat evenly with the sauce.
06 - Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish if desired. Serve warm.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - To keep chicken tender, avoid overcooking; ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
02 - For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
03 - If the sauce becomes too thick, thin with additional chicken broth or a splash of milk.
04 - This dish pairs well with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
05 - Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months. Reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.