One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken pieces, penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan cream sauce infused with Italian herbs and fresh basil. Quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish combines sautéing and simmering in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/3 cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden but not fully cooked. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed, then add diced onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits. Add uncooked pasta and stir to combine.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is almost al dente.
- Add Chicken Back: Nestle the partially cooked chicken into the pasta. Continue simmering, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and lemon zest. Let sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add grated parmesan while stirring continuously until sauce thickens and coats pasta.
- Final Touches: Remove from heat, stir in most of the fresh basil, reserving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve warm garnished with extra parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, increase the heavy cream amount.
- Do not overcook the pasta initially; it will finish cooking with the chicken.
- Use fresh or dried herbs; add fresh basil at the end for best flavor.
- Customize with vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables for variation.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on stove or microwave after thawing.
Keywords: one pot chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, easy dinner recipe, one pot meal, chicken penne pasta
