Description

This creamy, flavorful, and indulgent pasta dish is so delicious that it might just inspire a marriage proposal! The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and a luscious garlic cream sauce makes it an irresistible meal for date nights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed for thinning sauce)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine Everything
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the pan. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and a smooth, creamy sauce.

Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add extra richness, but if using dry ones, soak them in warm water first.

For extra protein, add crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms.

Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 650
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: marry me chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy chicken dinner, date night recipes