Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Dish to Fall in Love With
Introduction
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful masterpiece that’s so delicious it might just inspire a proposal! With tender chicken nestled in a Parmesan-rich sauce, this dish is the epitome of comfort food—perfect for a romantic dinner or a special family gathering.
Reasons to Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Indulgent & Comforting: A rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic creates an irresistible flavor.
- Romantic & Impressive: Ideal for date nights or special occasions, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavors and add your own twist, like extra veggies or a touch of spice.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash make this recipe even more appealing.
What Does This Dish Taste Like?
Imagine a savory, creamy sauce with a hint of tang from sun-dried tomatoes, balanced with earthy garlic and aromatic Italian herbs. The rich, velvety sauce clings to each pasta strand, while the chicken remains tender and juicy, making every bite a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, for searing
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup, chopped
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional for spice)
- Pasta: 8 oz, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- Fresh Basil: For garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs
- Mixing spoon
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Grater for Parmesan cheese
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Add Spinach or Mushrooms: Fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added depth and nutrition.
- Substitute Greek Yogurt or Half & Half: For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half & half.
- More Spice: Add more crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Cheese Variations: Mix in some mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season & Sear Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Prepare Sauce: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Combine Chicken & Pasta: Return chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add freshness and a nice color contrast.
Storage Instructions / Tips for Making / Tips for Success
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freeze: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
- Tip for Creamy Sauce: Add a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and add extra flavor. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. - Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Choose any pasta that holds sauce well, like penne or bowtie.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, depending on portion size)
- Calories: ~600
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~30g
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, delicious dish that’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and customizable to your taste. Whether it’s for a special dinner or just because, this dish will make any meal memorable.
