If you are looking to impress your significant other or simply want to indulge in a delicious and heartwarming dish, then look no further than ‘Marry Me Chicken Pasta.’ This delightful recipe combines succulent chicken with a creamy, decadent sauce, perfectly paired with tender pasta. It is a dish that truly speaks the language of love on a plate, and who knows, it might just be the recipe to win someone’s heart.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Strainer
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. Begin by chopping the sun-dried tomatoes and mincing the garlic. This ensures that everything is ready to go when you start cooking, making the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them until golden brown on each side and fully cooked through. This should take about 6–7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Simmer with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce and let it simmer on low heat for 3–4 minutes. The sun-dried tomatoes will absorb the flavors of the sauce, adding a burst of savory goodness.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything to ensure the pasta is fully coated with sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve this delectable Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread to mop up the sauce. Pair with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine for an unforgettable dining experience.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the perfect creamy sauce, ensure not to boil the cream as it may curdle. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute half of the cream with milk. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
Elevate Your Dinner: High Protein Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you’re on the quest for a meal that satisfies both flavor and fitness goals, a high-protein version of this dish is an excellent choice. Swap the traditional pasta with a protein-packed variety made from chickpeas or lentils, and increase the amount of chicken used. This upgrade not only boosts the protein count but also maintains the comforting richness of this beloved dish.
Low Carb Romantic Twist: Keto-Friendly Marry Me Chicken
For those following a low-carb lifestyle, worry not! You can still indulge in the creamy goodness by replacing the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. This carb-conscious version allows you to savor all the flavors of the Marry Me Chicken without the added carbs.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
- Can I use another type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute with your favorite pasta or a gluten-free version.
- Is it possible to make this dish ahead? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken, then cook the pasta just before serving.
- What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes? Cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers can be great alternatives.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breasts
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic
- chicken broth
- heavy cream
- grated Parmesan cheese
- red pepper flakes
- sun-dried tomatoes
- fresh basil leaves
- fettuccine or pasta of choice
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare all ingredients, chopping the sun-dried tomatoes and mincing the garlic.
- Heat a skillet and cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add garlic to skillet; pour in chicken broth, cream, cheese, and red pepper, stirring until thickened.
- Simmer with sun-dried tomatoes for 3–4 minutes.
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to packaging; reserve some water and drain.
- Slice chicken; combine with pasta in skillet, tossing with sauce, adding water if needed.