If you’re looking to woo someone special or simply enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as a warm hug, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is just what you need. This dish brings together succulent chicken, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and tender pasta, all bathed in a glorious creamy sauce. Perfect for a date night or any night you want a bit of indulgence!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and kitchen equipment. This crucial first step ensures a smooth cooking process. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, allowing for even browning. Season them generously with salt and pepper. At the same time, chop your sun-dried tomatoes if they’re not already in bite-sized pieces, so you can easily incorporate them into the dish later. Next, mince the garlic and set it aside, ready to infuse your dish with its signature aromatic kick.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil when the pan is hot. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, searing each side until golden brown and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet, allowing it to rest on a cutting board for juices to redistribute effectively.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, sautéing it until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for maximum flavor. Once the broth comes to a simmer, add the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well, letting the sauce reduce slightly and thicken, creating a rich, indulgent base.
Step 4: Boil the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta, cooking according to the package directions until al dente. Strain the pasta using a colander and set it aside, taking care not to lose any of that precious pasta cooking water.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the skillet along with its juices, topping it with Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. Let it sit off the heat for a moment, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil, providing an aromatic contrast.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
To serve this decadent dish, slice the chicken breasts into strips and elegantly twist the pasta onto plates. Remember to drizzle any remaining sauce over the top for an extra hit of flavor. A light sprinkling of extra Parmesan and fresh basil will elevate the visual to match its delightful taste.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To ensure the best results, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, as they provide a more intense flavor. If you prefer a lighter dish, swap heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce might not be as thick. For an added depth, try including a splash of white wine when deglazing the skillet.
High Protein Version: Energize Your Dinner
For a punchier protein fix, consider adding grilled shrimp or cooked chickpeas into this creamy pasta mix. Their texture complements the creamy sauce beautifully while significantly boosting protein content. With these additions, the dish remains indulgent yet healthier and more robust.
Alternatively, swap the regular pasta for a protein-enriched variety, boosting its nutritional value without detracting from the harmonious flavors.
Low Carb Delight: Marry Me Chicken Zoodle Experience
To adapt this recipe for a low-carb lifestyle, replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, or zoodles. These will soak up the sauce while maintaining a slight crunch, providing a delightful variance in texture.
An alternative low-carb option involves using spaghetti squash. It offers a more subtle taste compared to zoodles but remains just as satisfying and healthy for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens upon standing. Note that pasta tends to absorb sauce over time, so the dish may become thicker the next day.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, any pasta shape will work well in this recipe, although cooking times may vary.
- Is there a dairy-free alternative to the sauce? Try swapping heavy cream for coconut cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
- Can this recipe be made ahead? Certainly! Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then boil the pasta just before serving.
- Can I freeze the leftovers? Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may change texture when defrosted and reheated.
Final Thoughts on This Sensational Dish
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe might just win hearts as it satisfies taste buds with each bite. Its delightful marriage of flavors is perfect for special dinners or comforting solo meals. Share this recipe, comment with your cooking tips, or add your personal twist, making it an even more cherished creation.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breasts
- olive oil
- garlic
- chicken broth
- heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- sun-dried tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- penne pasta
- fresh basil
Instructions
Steps
- Pat the chicken breasts dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden brown.
- Remove chicken, sauté garlic, then deglaze with chicken broth.
- Add cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
- Boil pasta, strain, and combine with sauce and cooked chicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.