Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Print Version)

Tender chicken and penne in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil garnish.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 ounces penne pasta

→ Chicken

02 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1.5 pounds)
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Sauce

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
08 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 - 1 cup chicken broth
11 - 1 cup heavy cream
12 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
14 - 1 teaspoon paprika
15 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - Chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. 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 and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté for about 1 minute. Stir in flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute without browning.
04 - Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and oregano. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
05 - Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
06 - Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top if desired and serve immediately while warm.

# Extra Tips & Details:

01 - To prevent chicken from drying out, cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and avoid overcooking.
02 - If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with additional chicken broth or milk to achieve desired consistency.
03 - Add red pepper flakes if a spicy variation is preferred.
04 - This dish pairs well with garlic bread and a green salad.