Imagine a dish so irresistible that it could make someone fall in love with you at the first bite! That’s exactly what the ‘Marry Me Chicken Pasta’ promises. Bursting with flavors from creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and juicy chicken, this pasta dish is not just a meal; it’s a declaration of love on a plate. Perfect for a romantic dinner or when you want to impress someone special, it’s time to get into the kitchen and make magic happen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil for garnish
Equipments
- Large saucepan
- Frying pan
- Colander
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients on the kitchen counter. Slice your chicken breast into thin strips, ensuring even sizes for uniform cooking. Dice the sun-dried tomatoes if they aren’t pre-diced. Mince the garlic using a garlic press or chop finely with a sharp knife to release its aromatic oils. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process more seamless.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken strips and season them generously with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté until they’re golden brown on all sides and fully cooked, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate covered with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the saucepan. Save about a cup of pasta water, which may be needed later to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same frying pan used for the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan for flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Let this mixture simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the sauce, making sure to coat the chicken well. Then, add the drained pasta and toss everything gently using a pair of tongs, making sure the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, which will melt and integrate into your sauce, adding depth and richness. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for color and extra flavor. Whether plated individually or served in a large dish for sharing, this dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For an enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking. Ensure you don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will absorb some of the sauce and become more tender. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or replace sun-dried tomatoes with fresh cherry tomatoes for a sweeter note.
Protein Powerhouse: The High Protein Twist
This dish can easily be turned into a high-protein meal by using chickpea pasta and adding an extra chicken breast to increase the protein content. With chickpea pasta, you’re not only getting the texture similar to traditional pasta but also a boost of protein and fiber.
Additionally, sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pine nuts for crunch and another source of protein. A generous sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor while keeping it dairy-free if desired.
Low Carb, Yet So Romantic: The Low Carb Version
If you’re watching your carb intake, swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or ‘zoodles’. They absorb the creamy sauce beautifully and offer a fresh, crisp texture that complements the tender chicken. This variation not only keeps the carbohydrates in check but also enhances the dietary fiber, making it equally delicious and nutritious.
For an extra indulgence, consider adding a bit of high-fat cheese like mozzarella, which will melt beautifully over the hot noodles and chicken. This version is perfect for those following a keto or gluten-free diet without compromising on the romance factor of the dish.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving as it might overcook the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While Parmesan is classic, Asiago or Pecorino Romano can also work well for a different flavor profile.
- Is there a vegetarian version? Yes, replace chicken with grilled mushrooms or tofu for a diverse texture and equally delicious taste.
- How can I make it spicier? You can add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for heat that complements the creamy texture.
- Can this dish be prepared ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead and store them separately. Cook the pasta fresh and combine all parts right before serving.
Conclusion: Share the Love!
There you have it—a dish that’s as delightful to the taste buds as it is to the heart. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a testament that cooking is an act of love. Whether you’re making it for a special someone, or just a romantic dinner for yourself, this dish aims to please. Did your loved ones enjoy it as much as you hoped? Share your experience with a comment below, and don’t forget to have others fall in love with it by sharing the recipe!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breast
- heavy cream
- chicken broth
- sun-dried tomatoes
- Parmesan cheese
- garlic
- salt and pepper
- pasta
- olive oil
- dried oregano
- fresh basil
Instructions
Steps
- Slice chicken breast into strips and mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano until golden.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve some pasta water.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic, add chicken broth, then heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Return chicken to pan, stir in Parmesan, and combine with pasta, adjusting sauce with reserved water if needed.