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+ servings

California Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan pasta with tender chicken, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Pasta, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 10 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes plus more for garnish
Sauce
  • 2 tbsp oil from jarred sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and thinly sliced
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 oz fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Season and Cook the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken with cornstarch, oregano, a pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
  2. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes, turning once. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Build the Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
  3. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine and Serve
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  3. Garnish with torn fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 38gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 780mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g

Notes

Reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Use a large skillet so you can cook everything in one pan for maximum flavor. Freshly grate your Parmesan for the smoothest melt and best taste. Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and juiciness. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference, or omit for a milder dish. Add fresh basil at the very end to keep it bright and vibrant. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

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