Fall head over heels with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe, a dish so delicious it might just lead to a proposal! Creamy and rich, it mingles tender chicken with luscious pasta and a savory sauce that will have you swooning at first bite. Perfect for a romantic dinner for two or an indulgent weeknight meal, this dish is as versatile as it is irresistible.
Ingredients
To bring this culinary romance to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- Fresh basil for garnish
Equipments
Equip yourself with:
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Wooden spoon
- Garlic press
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken strips generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before adding them to the skillet. Sear these strips until they are golden brown on the outside, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. This technique locks in the juices, keeping your chicken tender and flavorful. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This will create a flavorful foundation for your creamy sauce that will envelop every piece of pasta.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits for added flavor. Reduce the heat to medium and add in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir constantly until the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes. This rich sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing everything together in a creamy, savory union.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook your penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, allowing the pasta to cool slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the seared chicken back into the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through. Transfer the al dente pasta into the skillet, and give it a gentle toss to combine with the sauce and chicken. Garnish with fresh basil before serving, adding a fragrant touch that completes this delicious dish.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This pasta is perfectly delightful on its own, but it pairs extraordinarily well with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread. For the ultimate dining experience, serve with a glass of chilled white wine.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Ensure that the chicken is not overcrowded in the skillet to achieve a perfect sear. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as fusilli or farfalle, to add variety and texture to your dish.
Fall for the Protein Powerhouse: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Looking to boost the protein content of your meal? Consider adding some grilled shrimp or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. These additions will help you stay full longer and add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Lighten Up Your Evening with Low-Carb Marry Me Chicken Pasta Delight
If you’re watching your carbs, swap out traditional pasta for a low-carb alternative like zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These swaps maintain the dish’s essence while supporting a healthier lifestyle.
Storage Instructions
This dish sings when fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency.
FAQs
- Can I use other cheese types? Absolutely! Feel free to replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a tangier flavor.
- What is the best way to reheat this dish? Gently heat over the stove with a bit of cream to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Can I replace chicken with another meat? Yes, turkey or even prawns can be fantastic substitutes.
- Is this dish freezer-friendly? While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can it be made without cream? Try substituting with a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk for a lighter version.
Discover the Romance of Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Culinary Love Story to Share!
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to create unforgettable memories over a plate of love-infused food. Try this recipe today, let us know how it turned out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share it with friends who might just propose on the spot!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- olive oil
- chicken breast
- salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning
- garlic
- chicken broth
- heavy cream
- sun-dried tomatoes
- Parmesan cheese
- penne pasta
- Fresh basil
Instructions
Steps
- Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken strips generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before adding them to the skillet. Sear these strips until they are golden brown on the outside, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. This technique locks in the juices, keeping your chicken tender and flavorful. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it's fragrant. This will create a flavorful foundation for your creamy sauce that will envelop every piece of pasta.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits for added flavor. Reduce the heat to medium and add in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir constantly until the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes. This rich sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing everything together in a creamy, savory union.
- While the sauce simmers, cook your penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, allowing the pasta to cool slightly.
- Add the seared chicken back into the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through. Transfer the al dente pasta into the skillet, and give it a gentle toss to combine with the sauce and chicken. Garnish with fresh basil before serving, adding a fragrant touch that completes this delicious dish.