1-Gathering and Preparing Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients to make the process smooth and fun it’s like setting the stage for a delicious show. Measure out 8 ounces of uncooked pasta and get it ready for boiling, while shredding or chopping 2 cups of cooked chicken to ensure it’s easy to mix in later. Don’t forget to mince 3-4 cloves of garlic and chop a small handful of fresh basil; this prep takes about 10 minutes and sets you up for success.

2-Cooking the Pasta: Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the 8 ounces of uncooked pasta, cooking it al dente as directed on the package this usually takes 8-12 minutes. Once it’s done, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining; this liquid is key for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later. This step ensures your Marry Me Chicken Pasta has the perfect texture, not too mushy or dry.

3-Building the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat; once it’s bubbly, stir in 1/2 tablespoon of flour and cook for about one minute to create a simple roux. Add 3-4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, and 1/3 cup of dry white wine or chicken broth, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors and reduce slightly. For a twist, if you’re adapting for dietary needs, you could use vegetable broth here to keep it lighter.

4-Adding Cream and Seasonings: Whisk in 1 cup of heavy or whipping cream next, letting it heat through before stirring in 1/3 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Add the 2 cups of shredded chicken and cook until the sauce starts to thicken, which takes about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste for that perfect balance. This is where the magic happens, creating a creamy base that’s adaptable think adding spinach for extra greens if you’re meal prepping for the week.

5-Finishing and Combining: Stir in 1/3 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and the small handful of torn or chopped fresh basil, mixing until everything is well combined and the sauce is velvety. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, using the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency this might take another 1-2 minutes. Serve it immediately, optionally topped with extra parmesan, and enjoy a flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta that’s ready in about 20 minutes of cooking time.