Are you looking for a dish that’s as romantic as it is delicious? Look no further than the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. This delightful meal combines creamy, rich flavors with tender chicken and pasta, making it an ideal choice for a date night or a special occasion at home.
The irresistible combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs in a creamy sauce not only pleases the taste buds but also carries an enchanting aroma that fills the kitchen, setting a romantic mood.
Share Personal Experience
The first time I made Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it was for an anniversary dinner. The evening was filled with smiles and compliments to the chef—me! This dish turned out to be not just a meal, but an unforgettable part of our special day, making it a go-to recipe for any romantic occasion.
Equipment List
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Strainer
Ingredients List
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – Step by Step Preparation
Step 1:
Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2:
Season Chicken: While pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3:
Brown Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and no longer pink in the middle, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 4:
Saute Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5:
Create Sauce: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6:
Combine: Slice chicken and return to the skillet. Let simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in chopped basil.
Step 7:
Mix with Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, combining it well with the creamy sauce.
Step 8:
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Tips For Success
- Pound Chicken: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer on a low heat to develop more flavor without burning the cream.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Pasta Water: Add a little pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
Variations
- Spinach Addition: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach in the last 2 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses such as Asiago or Romano instead of Parmesan.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes while cooking garlic to introduce a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for those with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is not just a meal, but an experience to share. Whether it’s a special occasion or you’re just looking to make an ordinary day a bit more extraordinary, this dish promises a delightful evening filled with flavors that woo and win hearts.
Cook it once, and it might just become a regular request from your loved ones!
FAQs
What is the best way to store leftovers of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
How can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta healthier?
To make a healthier version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, consider using light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and opt for a low-fat Parmesan cheese.
Additionally, you can increase the ratio of tomatoes and basil to enhance the dish’s nutritional profile without compromising on taste.
How can I make a gluten-free version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the regular penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, particularly the chicken broth and any added seasonings.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to complement the creamy sauce of the pasta.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: While pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Brown Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and no longer pink in the middle, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Saute Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create Sauce: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine: Slice chicken and return to the skillet. Let simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in chopped basil.
- Mix with Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, combining it well with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Pound Chicken: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer on a low heat to develop more flavor without burning the cream.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Pasta Water: Add a little pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.