Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful meal that combines tender chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and a luxurious Parmesan sauce. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you want to impress friends, this dish is both easy to prepare and rich in flavor. The unique blend of ingredients makes it comforting yet sophisticated, ensuring it’s a hit on any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan creates a sauce that’s creamy and packed with taste.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with your favorite pasta or serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Feed the Family: This recipe serves four, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prep.
- Impressive Presentation: Garnished with fresh basil and extra cheese, this dish looks as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making Marry Me Chicken Pasta, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the chicken and sauce together, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
- Medium pot: Essential for boiling the pasta, ensuring it’s cooked just right without sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Help achieve precise ingredient amounts for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
This creamy marry me chicken pasta is a simple, cozy dish with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, silky Parmesan sauce. Perfect with your favorite pasta, it’s easy to make and full of flavor!
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts, diced)
For the Pasta
- 10 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp seasoned oil from sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (to coat the chicken)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (thinly diced)
- 1¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For Garnish
- ½ oz torn fresh basil
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil 10 oz of pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
In a bowl, toss 4 diced chicken breasts with 2 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tsp oregano, a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp of oil from sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken until golden and crispy for about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
Melt 1 tbsp butter in the same skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves along with 1 cup finely diced sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Stir in ¾ cup of chicken broth along with 1¼ cups of heavy cream. Simmer for approximately 3-5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Add in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; stir until melted and thickened.
Step 6: Add Chicken to Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer in the sauce for around 5 minutes so it can absorb all those delicious flavors.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the reserved cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your dish with fresh basil or parsley along with extra Parmesan cheese before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta can elevate your dinner experience. It pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes to enhance its flavors.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh Basil: Adds a fragrant touch and brightens the dish.
- Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley provides a pop of color and freshness.
Pair with a Salad
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing complements the rich pasta.
- Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula balances the creaminess with its sharpness.
Complement with Bread
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Focaccia: Offers a soft, fluffy texture that pairs well with the dish.
Serve in Individual Bowls
- Personal Touch: Serving in individual bowls makes it feel special for family or guests.
- Easy to Customize: Allows everyone to add their favorite toppings.
Offer Extra Cheese
- Parmesan Shavings: A few extra shavings on top can enhance flavor.
- Crumbled Feta: Adds a tangy twist that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh and high-quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure the pasta is al dente for the best texture in your dish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving, adding salt or pepper as needed.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together.
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variety.
- Experiment with Spices: Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile.
Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Chicken Pasta can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, it’s perfect for soaking up sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy dressing adds freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender provide vibrant colors and flavors.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds elegance and crunch without overwhelming the palate.
- Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast to rich pasta.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cured meats, and cheeses offers variety and texture alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can impact your dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
-
Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season the chicken can lead to bland results. Always add salt, pepper, and spices generously.
-
Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce.
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Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap cheese or subpar sun-dried tomatoes can ruin your dish. Invest in good-quality Parmesan and fresh tomatoes for maximum flavor.
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Not letting the sauce thicken: Rushing the sauce may leave it runny. Give it enough time to simmer until it reaches a creamy consistency.
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Neglecting garnishes: Skipping fresh herbs or extra cheese may compromise presentation and taste. Always garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts at medium power, stirring occasionally until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese served over pasta. It’s known for its rich flavors and cozy feel.
How can I customize Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. You could also use different kinds of pasta or switch up the protein with shrimp or tofu.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Just combine everything before serving for a quick meal later.
What sides pair well with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
This dish pairs nicely with garlic bread or a simple green salad. These sides complement the richness of the pasta beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and easy to prepare. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or entertaining friends. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce served over your favorite pasta. This creamy dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. With its straightforward preparation and mouthwatering flavors, it’s an ideal choice for date nights and family dinners alike. Garnished with fresh basil and extra cheese, this sophisticated yet comforting meal will surely become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 10 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (thinly diced)
- 1¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp seasoned oil from sun-dried tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Toss the diced chicken with cornstarch, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown (5-6 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream; simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Return the chicken to the sauce; simmer for another 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Combine the pasta with the sauce; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
