Why Make This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy. The creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes creates a dish that is both rich and satisfying. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. This dish is sure to impress everyone at your table and might even make them fall in love with you a little more!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Basil leaves for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of water and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once tender, drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the butter and bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Combine: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately, savoring each bite!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a small dinner party.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore its creamy texture.
Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Pasta Choice: You can use any type of pasta you like; penne and fettuccine work particularly well.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate some spinach or mushrooms for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference for more or less heat.
Variation
You can switch the chicken for shrimp or a mix of both for a seafood twist. This recipe is also delicious with grilled or roasted vegetables added for extra flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any dried pasta of your choice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve. Simply combine everything before serving.
3. Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. However, the cream may change texture upon thawing. Reheat slowly on medium heat for best results.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice Any type of dried pasta can be used.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing.
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to preference for spice level.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Basil leaves for garnish Fresh basil for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil a large pot of water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once tender, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken
- Add the butter and bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately, savoring each bite!