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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

creamy marry me chicken pasta - featured image
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A comforting and creamy chicken pasta dish featuring a homemade roasted red pepper sauce that is quick, easy, and perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 12 ounces jarred roasted red peppers, drained
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli; gluten-free pasta optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 ounces of pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Cook chicken in a single layer for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Lower heat to medium and sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. In a blender, combine drained roasted red peppers, chicken broth, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour the blended sauce into the skillet with onions and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld and sauce thicken slightly.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency. Avoid high heat after adding cream and cheese to prevent sauce from breaking. Cook chicken in batches if pan is crowded to ensure proper searing. Drain jarred roasted peppers well to avoid excess liquid. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, roasted red pepper sauce, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/creamy-marry-me-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-roasted-red-pepper-sauce/