If you’re searching for the perfect dish to woo your taste buds and possibly a loved one, look no further than the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety cream sauce that will leave an impression long after the meal is over. It’s a symphony of flavors that’s bound to be a hit at any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 pound pasta of choice
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Create the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and in the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly caramelized. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
Step 3: Perfect the creaminess. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for a further 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Once thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 4: Cook the pasta. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Step 5: Combine and finalize. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add them back to the skillet, along with your cooked pasta. Toss everything to combine, ensuring all the pasta is coated in that rich sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency as needed.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Once combined, serve your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat. Pair this sumptuous dish with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a full-course delight.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To ensure a delightful experience, use high-quality Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. If you’re on a date, prepare this dish ahead of time, so you can focus on plating and presentation. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce and letting it reduce for a few minutes before adding the cream.
High Protein Twist: Power-Packed Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you’re aiming to boost your protein intake, consider using chickpea or lentil-based pasta alternatives, which increase the dish’s nutritional profile significantly. Incorporating a handful of spinach or kale at the end of cooking adds not only a vitamin punch but also a vibrant color contrast.
This high-protein variation offers a nutritious yet indulgent experience, welcoming additional flavors like capers or artichokes for an untraditional yet delectable twist. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a hearty meal, this version is designed to satisfy.
Low Carb Love: Guilt-Free Marry Me Chicken Pasta
For those who want to maintain a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing taste, substituting traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash will keep the carbs in check. Despite reducing the carbohydrates, the dish maintains its rich, decadent flavor.
You can still create a luxurious sauce and maintain that creamy indulgence. Top with a generous amount of Parmesan and you’re ready with a delicious, guilt-free meal. Offering all the romance without the carbs, this might just become your new favorite weeknight obsession.
Storage Instructions
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
- Can I use other pasta types for this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you love or have on hand.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper works wonders.
- Will the chicken be tender if reheated? Yes, but for best results, heat slowly in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream.
- What wine pairs best with this dish? A crisp white wine like a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creaminess beautifully.
Share Your Culinary Love Story with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This delightful dish is sure to leave you and anyone you serve it to utterly enchanted. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy night at home, the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings warmth and flavor to your table. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends, leave a comment below with your experience, and join the conversation on social media!
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- heavy cream
- chicken broth
- grated Parmesan cheese
- sun-dried tomatoes
- pasta
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Steps
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
- Stir in heavy cream and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Boil a large pot of salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, drain the rest, and set the pasta aside.
- Slice the chicken and return to the skillet. Combine with pasta, tossing everything to coat in sauce. Adjust with pasta water if needed. Serve warm.