Marry Me Chicken Pasta

By Rachel Cooks

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
½ cup finely diced onion ((1 small onion))
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped ((see note))
3 cups chicken broth
8 oz. uncooked pasta ((penne or rotini work well))
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes ((optional))
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil, additional for garnish

Prep Time15mins
Cook Time28mins
Servings4

Instructions

Take the heavy cream out of the refrigerator so it can come to room temperature while you’re prepping the meal.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet (with lid available) over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken in a single layer, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Discard any accumulated juices.

In the same pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil; add the chopped onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the chicken broth to the pan. Stir in the uncooked pasta, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.

Cover the skillet and continue to cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender. Add more broth or water as needed. The majority of the liquid should be absorbed by the time the pasta has finished cooking.

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low, and stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese. Return the chicken to the pan; simmer over low heat until sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in basil.

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper, if desired. Garnish with additional fresh basil and additional Parmesan, if desired.