Why Make This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a promise of romance and comfort. This creamy dish is perfect for date nights, special occasions, or even a cozy dinner at home. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich sauce, all served over pasta, makes it a delightful choice that is sure to impress. Plus, it’s fairly easy to prepare, making it a great option for cooks of all skill levels.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless, sliced thinly
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp for searing
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup, chopped
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional for spice)
- Pasta: 8 oz, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- Fresh Basil: A handful of leaves for garnish
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything well. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This dish can be served warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with a simple salad and some garlic bread to complete the meal.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, store Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened.
Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should remain juicy.
Variation
You can swap the chicken for shrimp or even use tofu for a vegetarian option. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for added depth.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Just combine everything right before serving.
2. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can skip them or substitute with roasted red peppers for a different flavor.
3. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! This sauce works well with any pasta type. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and romantic pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for date nights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything well. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor. Feel free to add vegetables for added nutrition. Adjust spices to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauteing
- Cuisine: Italian