Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A comforting and delicious one-pot pasta dish featuring chicken, creamy sauce, and a medley of spices, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 12 ounces penne pasta Cook according to package instructions.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces Protein base for the dish.
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup diced white onion Adds sweetness and texture.
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced for color and crunch
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
Spices and Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning Adds warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil For herbal notes.
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder For subtle smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper For a hint of heat.
- 1 teaspoon salt Balances flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Adds a bit of kick.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half For creaminess.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature To thicken the sauce.
- ¼ cup chicken broth Adds moisture.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded For richness.
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter For richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and bubbling.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about three to four minutes.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and sauté for a few more minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Adding Spices
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, dried basil, paprika, ground black pepper, salt, and cayenne; stir to combine.
Cooking the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring until fully coated.
- Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and has browned slightly, about five to seven minutes.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream and cream cheese; stir until the cream cheese melts.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Fold in the freshly shredded parmesan cheese until melted.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce.
- Warm everything through until nicely combined.
Notes
For added creaminess, opt for half and half instead of heavy cream. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water can help loosen it.