Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (flavor spin)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta
- 10–12 oz penne pasta (or rigatoni)
- Water (for boiling)
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Creamy Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato pesto (flavor spin)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of ½ lemon (bright flavor spin)
- ½ cup fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Slice into strips once slightly cooled.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add:
- Parmesan cheese
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Sun-dried tomato pesto
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens (3–5 minutes).
Step 5: Add the Flavor Spin
- Stir in lemon zest and fresh spinach.
- Allow spinach to wilt into the sauce.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss until fully coated in sauce.
- Add sliced chicken back into the pan.
- Stir gently to combine and heat through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat.
- Garnish with:
- Fresh basil
- Extra Parmesan
- Light lemon zest
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a Spin
(Estimated per serving — based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Calcium: 260mg
- Iron: 2.5mg
⚠️ Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on brands and portion sizes
