Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Printable Version)

Tender chicken and penne in a creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes - proposal-worthy comfort in every bite!

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken & Pasta

01 - 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 10 ounces penne pasta
03 - ½ teaspoon salt
04 - ¼ teaspoon pepper
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ For the Sauce

06 - 3 tablespoons butter
07 - 2 teaspoons minced garlic
08 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 - 2 cups chicken broth
10 - 1 cup heavy cream
11 - 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
12 - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
13 - 1 teaspoon paprika
14 - 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ For Garnish

16 - Fresh basil, chopped
17 - Additional parmesan cheese, optional

# Steps:

01 - Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 - Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
05 - Slowly whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese until smooth. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
06 - Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
07 - Garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and drain them well.
02 - If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or extra chicken broth to loosen it up.
03 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
04 - Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to maintain a creamy texture.