Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp oregano
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
For the Pasta and Sauce:
10 oz pasta of choice (e.g., treccioni)
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups chicken broth
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (plus more for topping)
3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Season the Chicken:
In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well to coat evenly.
Cook the Pasta:
Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. After draining, toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
In a large pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the flour, cooking for another minute while stirring constantly with a wooden spatula or whisk.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuing to stir, then add the heavy cream.
Add the softened cream cheese and tomato paste, stirring until fully incorporated into the sauce.
Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes and mix them into the sauce.
Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Stir everything together until well coated and heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy this rich and flavorful dish!
