Marry Me Chicken Pastina

This Marry Me Chicken Pastina is the perfect cozy meal for two, made entirely in one pan. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little extra special without the extra dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb chicken breast

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, to taste (plus more to season the chicken)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (plus more to season the chicken)

• 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil

• 1-2 tbsp butter, plus more as needed

• 1 large shallot, finely diced

• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, julienned

• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced, to taste

• 1 cup pastina

• 2-3 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/4 cup white wine (sav blanc, pinot grigio)

• 3 - 3.5 cups chicken broth (use 3.5 for a soupier consistency)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature

• 1 cup grated parmesan, plus more to garnish

• Fresh basil, torn, to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat a large pan over medium heat with a touch of sun-dried tomato oil and butter. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. After flipping, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low to help it cook through. Remove from the pan and cover with foil.

3. Add a small touch of butter to the pan, then add the shallot and sun-dried tomatoes with a pinch of salt, pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the garlic and pastina, stirring to coat and letting the pastina toast slightly for about 1-2 minutes.

5. Clear a space in the center of the pan and add the tomato paste. Let it caramelize for about a minute before stirring it into the mixture.

6. Deglaze with white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

7. Stir in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and let cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently until the pastina is tender and creamy.

8. Add another small touch of butter, then stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another minute or two.

9. Dice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pan to warm through.

10. Finish with grated parmesan and freshly torn basil. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 5-10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2-3