Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – A Dish That Wins Hearts in 30 Minutes
Short introduction
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta in a luscious sauce. This recipe is ideal for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion, promising to impress your loved ones with every bite. Not only does it come together quickly, but it also creates a memorable meal that just may lead to a proposal!
Why you’ll love it
This delectable pasta dish brings together rich flavors and textures making it irresistible. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: It takes just about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner guests.
- Flavorful: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream creates a scrumptious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Versatile: You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have at home, allowing for customization without losing the essence of the dish.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil make this dish visually appealing, sure to impress at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 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
Substitutions & key variations
Feel free to modify this recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs:
- Chicken: You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a lighter option.
- Cream: Use half-and-half or a non-dairy substitute like almond or coconut milk for a lighter sauce.
- Pasta: Any pasta shape works, so get creative. Try farfalle or spaghetti for a different twist.
- Vegetables: Add in spinach or any seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add your choice of pasta and cook it according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the pasta warm, topped with fresh basil for an aromatic finish.
Success tips
- Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to get a good sear.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce.
- Be cautious with salt, especially if your chicken broth is salty.
How to serve
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh and hot, served in bowls with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil as garnish. Pair it with a crisp side salad and a glass of your favorite white wine for a complete meal.
Storage & reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream and heat over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use non-dairy milk in place of cream and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s best to use thawed chicken. However, if using frozen, ensure it’s fully cooked before consumption.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: To thicken the sauce, simmer it a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) to the sauce.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Q: What other pasta shapes work for this recipe?
A: Any pasta shape will work well, including spaghetti, bowties, or fusilli.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This dish is a great source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats, thanks to the chicken and cream. To lighten the dish, consider using whole wheat pasta or additional vegetables for added fiber.
Conclusion
With its rich flavors and delightful presentation, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience. You might just find yourself making it multiple times to keep the romance alive in your kitchen! Try it tonight, and don’t be surprised if someone falls in love with your culinary skills.
Links to related recipes
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Chicken
- Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta
- Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Noodles
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Chicken Breasts, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly
- Salt and Pepper to taste Salt and Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil, for searing
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- ½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, optional for spice
- 8 oz Pasta, such as penne or fettuccine
- Fresh Basil, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add your choice of pasta and cook it according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combining
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the pasta warm, topped with fresh basil for an aromatic finish.