When it comes to creating a meal that’s packed with flavor, comfort, and romance, Marry Me Chicken Pasta takes the crown. It’s the kind of dish that could have anyone falling in love at first bite. From the creamy, dreamy sauce to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, every bite will leave you craving more. Imagine being serenaded by the delicious combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night, a family dinner, or simply treating yourself, this recipe guarantees to steal your heart (and stomach)!
Let’s dive into what makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so irresistible and how you can recreate it at home with ease.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Before you grab your apron, let’s talk about the key ingredients you’ll need for this delectable dish. Luckily, you won’t need any exotic items just fresh, everyday ingredients that combine to create something truly spectacular. Here’s your shopping list:
- 1 lb Chicken breasts – The star of the show, ensuring a protein-packed, juicy base for the dish.
- 1/2 cup Onion, diced – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced – The aromatic kick that brings the dish to life.
- 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – These tomatoes bring a burst of concentrated flavor that adds richness to the sauce.
- 8 oz Pasta, dried (any kind you prefer) – Choose your favorite pasta; spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine all work wonderfully!
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning – The perfect blend of oregano, basil, and other herbs to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 tbsp Olive oil – To sear the chicken to perfection and keep it moist.
- 1 tbsp Butter – For richness and to sauté the aromatics.
- 1 cup Heavy cream – The key to creating a luscious, creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Adds a salty, nutty flavor that ties the sauce together.
- Basil leaves – For garnish, offering a fresh touch to complement the richness of the dish.
With these simple yet flavor-packed ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to make an unforgettable meal that’s bound to impress.
Directions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
1. Prepare the Chicken
The first step in making this dish is cooking the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Resting the chicken helps keep it juicy.
2. Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is sizzling away, you can cook your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add 8 oz of your favorite pasta. It could be spaghetti, penne, or even fettuccine whatever you prefer! Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Typically, pasta should be boiled for about 7-10 minutes, depending on the type. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and set it aside. Save a little bit of the pasta water in case you need it later to loosen the sauce.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Now, we move on to the base of our sauce! In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt over medium heat, creating a rich base for the sauce. Add 1/2 cup of diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions soften and become translucent. The smell of sizzling onions will instantly make your kitchen smell incredible! Next, toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.
4. Make the Sauce
Once the aromatics are ready, it’s time to make the creamy sauce that will bring everything together. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes—they bring such a wonderful concentrated flavor that’s simply unmatched. After the tomatoes are incorporated, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir. The cream will create a rich, velvety sauce that will coat your pasta perfectly.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to give the sauce that classic Italian flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. At this point, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese should be stirred into the sauce, which will melt and blend perfectly with the cream to form a creamy, dreamy texture. Let the sauce cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine the Ingredients
Once your creamy sauce is perfect, it’s time to bring everything together! Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips, ensuring each piece is tender and juicy. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, gently tossing it to coat the pasta evenly with the rich, flavorful sauce. Once the pasta is well-coated, arrange the sliced chicken on top of the pasta. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the chicken and pasta are combined, creating a perfect marriage of flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve
To finish off this showstopper, garnish with fresh basil leaves. The basil adds a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, savory sauce. Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately, and watch as your guests or loved ones fall head over heels for this delicious dish!
Nutritional Information
You might be wondering how many calories this delicious, creamy dish packs. Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed choice:
- Calories: 600 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
This dish is rich in flavor and will satisfy your cravings without being too heavy, especially when paired with a lighter side dish like a fresh salad or steamed veggies.
Best Side Dishes to Pair with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you’re planning a full meal, you’ll want to serve something alongside your pasta to round out the experience. Here are a few side dishes that would complement Marry Me Chicken Pasta beautifully:
1. Garlic Bread
A classic pairing! Garlic bread will complement the rich, creamy sauce while adding a crispy, buttery crunch that everyone will love.
2. Caesar Salad
A light, refreshing Caesar salad with crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons is the perfect contrast to the heaviness of the pasta.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roast some carrots, broccoli, or zucchini with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for a healthy, flavorful side dish.
4. Steamed Asparagus
Steamed asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper is a simple, elegant side that balances the richness of the pasta.
Variations and Customizations
While Marry Me Chicken Pasta is already perfect as it is, don’t be afraid to get creative and try your own variations:
- Add spinach: For an extra boost of color and nutrition, stir in some fresh spinach leaves to the sauce.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Swap the chicken: For a different twist, try shrimp or grilled steak instead of chicken. Both proteins pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Use different cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, you could experiment with other cheeses like Mozzarella or Asiago for a unique flavor.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure everything goes smoothly while cooking Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
- Chicken too dry? Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Sauce too thick? If your sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Pasta too mushy? Be careful not to overcook your pasta aim for al dente, which means the pasta still has a slight bite to it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the chicken, pasta, and sauce in advance and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat everything in the skillet and combine for a quick, easy meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta! Simply store the pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to help bring back its creamy texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set!
Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of heavy cream?
Yes, heavy whipping cream will work just as well in this recipe, providing the same creamy texture.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for any occasion romantic date nights, family dinners, or even just when you’re craving something comforting. The blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delicious sun-dried tomatoes is nothing short of magical. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can create a meal that will make your taste buds swoon.
For more flavorful recipes like this one, check out these amazing dishes:
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast – Tender & Creamy Recipe
- Creamy Marry Me Chicken – Romantic Dinner Recipe
- Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast – A Flavorful Dinner Idea
So, are you ready to fall in love with this dish? Try it out tonight, and enjoy a soulmate meal that’s guaranteed to impress!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A Creamy, Soulmate Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, rich, and savory dish that combines tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and fresh basil. This pasta is an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for a romantic dinner or any special occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 8 oz Pasta (any kind you prefer)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest. - Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the diced onion for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. - Make the Sauce:
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the heavy cream. Add Italian seasoning and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and smooth. - Combine the Ingredients:
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss to coat. Place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta, then stir gently to combine everything. - Garnish and Serve:
Top with fresh basil leaves for garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, feel free to add red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper.
- You can substitute the pasta type with your favorite variety like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomatoes chicken, chicken pasta recipe, romantic dinner recipe, parmesan pasta, easy chicken pasta